Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has confirmed he has withdrawn his appeal against the de-registration of the FijiFirst Party, a decision made by the Registrar of Political Parties last July. In a conversation with FijiLive, Maharaj expressed concern that the lengthy process was unfair to the Fijian voters who had supported FijiFirst, including former members like himself.
When asked about his timing to withdraw the appeal, Maharaj clarified that he had already made this decision before the recent announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the appointment of Justice Usaia Ratuvili as the new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. He explained, “The process had been taking too long,” indicating the urgency and frustration he felt regarding the appeal’s delay.
Maharaj addressed the various challenges within the political landscape over the past six months that also influenced his choice. He noted that his appeal should have been resolved within three days of its submission, especially when there was an active Chairperson in the Electoral Commission at that time.
Emphasizing his efforts, Maharaj stated he did everything possible to save the FijiFirst Party for the sake of its voters. Unfortunately, he found the system and the appeal process unhelpful in achieving that goal.
The withdrawal of his appeal raises significant questions about the political processes and the importance of timely responses within the political framework. It underscores the need for transparent and efficient procedures to uphold democratic values and represent the will of the voters.
While it is disheartening for supporters of FijiFirst, this situation may spark necessary discussions about reforming electoral processes in the future, ultimately leading to a more robust political system in Fiji.
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