Former FijiFirst party MP Premila Kumar has announced that she and other Opposition MPs plan to appeal against the decision by Registrar of Political Parties Ana Mataiciwa to deregister the party.
Ms. Kumar did not disclose who else would join in the appeal process when questioned by this newspaper.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, a former FijiFirst colleague, stated he has already made his position clear in a letter to Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu last week, indicating that he would continue as an independent MP. He emphasized that his colleagues are free to make their own choices now.
Former FijiFirst acting general secretary Faiyaz Koya confirmed earlier this week that he would not be involved in the appeal.
Attempts to reach former party general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for comments have been unsuccessful.
On July 1, Ms. Mataiciwa announced the deregistration of FijiFirst due to its failure to amend its constitution to include guidelines for resolving internal disputes, which is a requirement under the Political Parties Act of 2013.
MPs wishing to appeal the decision by the Fijian Elections Office must do so by Monday, July 15, when the appeal period expires.