Suresh Chandra refuses to make comments about alleged non-renewal of his practicing license

Former Chair of the Electoral Commission, Suresh Chandra has refused to make any comments on the allegation that his legal practicing license has not been renewed by the Legal Practitioners Unit.

This comes as the Fiji Labour Party, Freedom Alliance and Unity Fiji wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Constitutional Offices Commission and Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama claiming that the Legal Practitioners Unit has not renewed Chandra’s practicing license.

Under Section 75 (6) of the Fijian Constitution, the Electoral Commission consists of a chairperson who is, or is qualified to be a judge and 6 other members.

Questions sent to Chandra on Friday afternoon about the non-renewal of his practicing license remain unanswered.

Chandra made the announcement of his decision to step down on Saturday morning.

When asked by fijivillage on why he is stepping down, Chandra says he will not make any comments on it as he has not advised anybody officially yet.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Labour Party, Freedom Alliance and Unity Fiji allege the Legal Practitioners Unit had allowed a conditional license in the last 2 years with the undertaking by Chandra that the issue of his Trust Account will be resolved. The parties allege the Unit has not renewed the practicing license for 2021 upon confirmation that such issues with the Trust Account Funds have not been resolved.

Questions about Chandra’s practicing license and investigations sent to the Legal Practitioners Unit which is headed by the Chief Registrar, Yohan Liyanage on Friday afternoon remain unanswered.