It’s the end of the FijiFirst era after the party’s deregistration was confirmed by Registrar of Political Parties Ana Mataiciwa yesterday.
Ms Mataiciwa said pursuant to section 30(1) of the Political Parties Act, any person aggrieved by this decision to deregister FijiFirst may appeal to the Electoral Commission of Fiji within 14 days from the date of this decision.
“If no appeal is lodged with the Electoral Commission of Fiji by the end of the 14-day appeal period, the Registrar will commence the winding-up process as per section 28(1) of the Act.”
A letter detailing the decision was also sent to all 26 FijiFirst Members of Parliament and the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
“On Thursday 30 May 2024, FijiFirst was notified to amend its constitution to include provisions required under Schedule 2 of the (Political Parties) Act,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
“The party was given until 4pm on Friday, June 28, 2024, to make the necessary amendments. As the party has not complied with this requirement, FijiFirst is hereby deregistered effective immediately, in accordance with section 12(4) of the Act.”
She also said that pursuant to section 30(1) of the Act, any person aggrieved by this decision to deregister FijiFirst may appeal to the Electoral Commission of Fiji within 14 days from the date of this decision.
“If no appeal is lodged with the Electoral Commission of Fiji by the end of the 14-day appeal period, the Registrar will commence the winding-up process as per section 28(1) of the Act.”
A letter detailing the decision was also sent to all 26 FijiFirst Members of Parliament and the Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
FijiFirst had until 4pm last Friday to amend its party constitution, however, the document did not allow for members to make any changes without the founding members – all of whom resigned from the party last month.
Yesterday, this newspaper attempted to reach Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu via email and phone call, however, he did not respond.
