The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding campaign regulations ahead of the next general election, particularly the media requirements and the distinction between political campaigning and ministerial duties.
Speaking to the media after the party’s management board meeting at Viseisei Village in Vuda, Lautoka, general secretary Simione Rasova said while political parties had been informed of the official campaign period on May 25, detailed guidelines were still lacking.
Mr Rasova said one of the party’s key concerns was the separation between political party activities and the official work of government ministers.
“The two differences we were very particular about were the political party campaign and the ministers,” he said.
“They could not align, like when they are going and giving things, others might think they are campaigning on behalf of their political party.”
Mr Rasova said SODELPA was proceeding cautiously while awaiting a response from the Fijian Elections Office to a query on the issue submitted on May 7.
Mr Rasova also reaffirmed the party’s confidence in leader Aseri Radrodro.
“We fully support the party leader, he’s been around for the last two years and given the magnitude of the work he has done in the Ministry of Education, we fully support.
“Total vote of confidence for him to be the leader and for him to be our future prime minister, and today we can hear that everybody’s still behind him.
