The Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, has refused to register the proposed political party “FijiansFirst”, finding its name so closely resembles the deregistered FijiFirst that it would likely be confused with or mistaken for that party. Mataiciwa said the decision, made this week, follows formal objections lodged by the National Federation Party (NFP) and the People’s Alliance (TPA).
“Based on NFP and TPA’s objections on similarity between the proposed name FijiansFirst and FijiFirst, I find that the proposed name so nearly resembles that of the deregistered party ‘FijiFirst’ as to be likely to be confused with or mistaken for that party within the meaning of section 8(h)(iii) of the Political Parties Act,” Mataiciwa said in her written ruling. She added, “Therefore, the application for registration of Proposed FijiansFirst is hereby refused.”
The Registrar anchored the decision in the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, which obliges her to reject applications where the proposed party’s name, acronym or symbol closely resembles that of a deregistered entity. FijiFirst was officially deregistered on July 1 after failing to amend its constitution to comply with statutory requirements; that deregistration has triggered a series of follow-on disputes about party branding and the status of former members.
NFP and TPA had also raised separate objections alleging unauthorised use of the national coat of arms, similarities in party symbols, and concern that the proposed acronym “FFP” could be linked to FijiFirst. Mataiciwa said these additional grounds were considered but did not meet the legal threshold under the Act, and were therefore rejected. The ruling focused solely on the name’s likelihood to cause confusion with the deregistered party.
The refusal closes one potential avenue for those seeking to recreate or capitalise on the FijiFirst brand, but the proposed FijiansFirst organisers retain the right to appeal. Mataiciwa advised that an appeal may be lodged with the Electoral Commission within 14 days, in line with the statutory appeal window for party registration decisions.
The decision is the latest development in a politically turbulent fortnight since FijiFirst’s deregistration, which has already prompted some former members to declare intentions to serve as independents or explore other affiliations. The Registrar’s application of section 8(h)(iii) signals strict enforcement of rules designed to prevent voter confusion and protect the integrity of party identities ahead of any future electoral activity.
If appealed, the Electoral Commission will have to determine whether the resemblance is sufficiently likely to mislead voters or otherwise contravenes the Act. Until then, any effort to establish a new party using a name or branding closely aligned with FijiFirst has been blocked by the Registrar’s ruling.