Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has reaffirmed his commitment to appealing the deregistration of the FijiFirst Party. His comments come in response to a statement from the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF), which indicated that it held a meeting on Friday in its quasi-judicial role to consider Maharaj’s appeal against the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to deregister the FijiFirst Party, effective July 1, 2024.
Maharaj stated, “It’s a working process at the moment as it is before court, however, I definitely stand by my decision on appealing against the deregistration.” He submitted his appeal in accordance with Section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act.
ECF chairperson Barbara Malimali expressed satisfaction that the appeal process has commenced, stating, “We look forward to publishing our decision at the conclusion.” She added, “Until then, we will not be in a position to comment. We trust the public of Fiji will understand this need for discretion and be patient.”