We are in receipt of letters with SODELPA letterhead from George Shiu Raj and Lenaitasi Duru - Saneem

Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem says they have received letters with the SODELPA letterhead from George Shiu Raj acting in his capacity as the registered officer and another letter from Party General Secretary, Lenaitasi Duru about an alleged management meeting last Friday.

SODELPA Vice President George Shiu Raj has confirmed to fijivillage he, Mosese Bulitavu and others in the Party have made an application to the Registrar under Section 11(1)(e) of the Political Parties Act for the replacement of SODELPA’s General Secretary.

Section 11(1)(e) of the Political Parties Act states an application may be made by a Party registered under the Act to change the Registry by substituting the name of the registered officer entered in the Register the name of a person specified in the application.

Raj further says he voted for Viliame Gavoka instead of Sitiveni Rabuka to be the leader of the Party but he does not support him anymore.

He adds it is his prime duty to see that the members of his Party stand transparent and accountable.

Saneem says there is a dispute and the Registrar is requesting both sides of the dispute to resolve this matter.

He says because of the dispute, they have taken this approach to get sufficient responses for the purpose of the Registrar’s decision.

He also says based on the official records of the Fijian Elections Office, Duru and SODELPA President, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau are on record as officials of the Party.

Saneem stresses the Party’s status quo remains until the matter is resolved and adds the status quo will be decided by the Party itself and not the Registrar.