Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has reaffirmed his choice to appeal the deregistration of the FijiFirst Party. This comes in response to a statement from the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF), which convened on Friday in its quasi-judicial capacity to address Mr. Maharaj’s appeal against the Registrar of Political Parties’ decision to deregister the FijiFirst Party, effective July 1, 2024.
“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 stated. Mr. Maharaj’s appeal is in accordance with Section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act.
ECF Chairperson Barbara Malimali expressed satisfaction that the process is moving forward. “We look forward to publishing our decision at the conclusion,” Ms. Malimali noted. “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.”