The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) cannot hide behind the actions of opposition parties and not report the FijiFirst party to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for breach of election laws, says Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry.

He made the comment while responding to an unsigned comment from FEO that it will not make further comments on the FijiFirst banner issue as two opposition parties had already taken the matter to FICAC.

“We are not asking FEO to comment,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“We want it to act. “The fact that two political parties have reported the case to FICAC does not absolve the Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem from carrying out the proper functions of his office.

“Clearly an offence was committed by FijiFirst under S112(3) of the Electoral Act when it put up material on a public building in central Suva.”

Mr Chaudhry said Mr Saneem cannot ignore this.

“He must report the matter to FICAC regardless of what action opposition parties take on their own volition.

“We expect him as holder of a constitutional office, to act in an independent, fair and impartial manner.

“He must, therefore, take action without any further delay, with the same vigour he employs in reporting opposition parties to FICAC.”

Mr Chaudhry said he was awaiting an official reply from Mr Saneem to his initial letter of complaint regarding the FijiFirst poster.

“Despite several reminders, he has still not done so.

“I must remind him that he is a public servant paid by the taxpayers. “He is obligated to carry out the functions of his office without fear or favour.

“There can be no double standards under the law.”

• Questions sent to the Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem remained unanswered when this edition went to press.