17 January, 2026, 2:20 am Central - 22°C Clouds

The ruling yesterday is a win for democracy, rule of law and independence of judiciary - Nawaikula

The ruling yesterday is a win for democracy, rule of law and independence of judiciary - Nawaikula

By Dhanjay Deo
18/08/2021
SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula. [Image: File Photo]

SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula says the Court of Disputed Returns has found the Supervisor of Elections acted unlawfully which is very serious and the ruling yesterday is a win for democracy, rule of law and independence of judiciary.

Chief Justice Kamal Kumar ruled yesterday the Supervisor’s actions in removing Nawaikula’s name from the Register of Voters was unlawful and wrongful after Nawaikula had challenged the validity of his parliamentary seat becoming vacant.

While speaking in parliament, Nawaikula stated that the Court also said the Supervisor of Elections had a discretion to not allow the matter to go to this stage and could have given Nawaikula the opportunity to correct the details on the National Register of Voters.

Nawaikula adds the Supervisor of Elections also took advantage of the Office of the Speaker and it also caused great embarrassment to this office.

When contacted, the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem says the judgement stands.

Chief Justice Kamal Kumar has ruled that Nawaikula is to be reinstated as a Member of Parliament.

FEATURE NEWS
6 in custody including 4 South American nationals after seizure of more than 100 bags of cocaine
Four South American nationals and two Fijians are in police custody following an early morning drug raid in Vatia waters, north of Viti Levu, between ...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
New $7M project aims to strengthen women’s resilience in the Pacific
Oxfam in the Pacific has today launched the Pacific Oceanic Women Enhancing Resilience Project and has received $7 million from the Government of ...
9 hours ago

Three juveniles identified for Nabua motorcycle incident
Three juveniles aged 15 and 13 have been identified for allegedly throwing water at a motorcyclist, resulting in an accident in Nabua on ...
10 hours ago

Investigation ongoing for Walu Bay fuel spill
Outgoing Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu says the investigation into the fuel leak at Walu Bay that happened earlier this ...
10 hours ago

296 lives lost on Fiji’s roads in five years
296 people have died on Fiji’s roads over the past five years.Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga presented the figures at the ...
11 hours ago

Alleged Top Shop robbery case sent back to Magistrates Court
The case of alleged Raiwai Top Shop robbers has been transferred back to the Magistrates Court by High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.23-year-old ...
11 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
14 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
25 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
26 days ago

TOP