Why are we required by law to publish in a newspaper – SODELPA

SODELPA General Secretary Emele Duituturaga has questioned why political parties have to be required by law to publish their audited accounts and source of funds in a newspaper.

She says if the objective is transparency and accountability, this information can be published on the party’s website and the website of the Fijian Elections Office.

Duituturaga says she asked her team, what is the percentage of internet penetration in the country and at a minimum, it is 66%.

She says she also asked about the circulation of The Fiji Times and she understands the latest figures are not available but the last figure was 72,000 readers.

Duituturaga also says it is an expensive exercise.

Duituturaga joined SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka, Deputy SODELPA Leader Filimoni Vosarogo and Pita Waqavonovono to make a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights on the electoral bills before the committee.

Those electoral bills include the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2020; Electoral (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Bill 2020; and Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures)(Amendment) Bill 2020.