Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has rejected claims by the National Federation Party that he misrepresented the Electoral Act over the use of school premises for political campaigning.
“I was approached by The Fiji Times journalist to respond to questions on the use of school premises for political rallies,” Radrodro said.
“I had responded that there are MOE policies that any use of school premises need to be on the consent of the Permanent Secretary for Education.”
His comments follow a statement from NFP general secretary Kamal Iyer, who accused the Minister of misrepresenting section 113 and imposing restrictions on community and organisation-owned school halls.
The Minister instead pointed to section 150(c) of the Electoral Act, which he said specifically deals with campaigning at educational institutions.
He quoted the provision as stating that any person who conducts a campaign on the premises of an educational institution commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
“Until section 150 of the Fiji Electoral Act 2014 is amended or revised, it is the law at present,” Radrodro said.
He maintained that the Ministry of Education would protect the political neutrality of schools and ensure their premises were not used for political campaigning by any party.
Radrodro said the Ministry also had a responsibility to protect the integrity of educational institutions and the wellbeing of students and teachers.
He said all political parties must respect the law and “operate on an equal footing under Fiji’s electoral laws.”
