Party members to pay costs

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SODELPA Opposition members of Parliament, Lynda Tabua, far left, Adi Litia Qionibaravi, Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu during break between sessions of the Parliament sitting on Monday, May 25, 2020. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

The High Court in Suva has ruled that Social Democratic and Liberal Party (SODELPA) members Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Adi Litia Qionibaravi and Usaia Waqatairewa pay plaintiffs, including Watisoni Nata, Dr Mere Samisoni and Emele Duituturaga, $1650 in costs.

High Court judge Justice Vishwa Datt Sharma stated in his ruling that on July 3 2020, before the commencement of the hearing proper, the counsel representing the Ro Filipe, Anare Jale and Usaia Waqatairewa made an oral application to withdraw the pending summons for stay of execution pending appeal.

The counsel further submitted that two issues arose in terms of the question of costs and referred to certain case authorities, as enumerated in written submissions, which were whether costs should be paid and how much in costs should be paid.

SODELPA Suva constituency president Watisoni Nata and his group claimed the SODELPA election held in Savusavu last year and subsequent actions thereafter were done in breach of not only the party constitution but also the Political Parties Act 2013 and the Constitution of Fiji.

The plaintiffs include party’s Suva constituency president Watisoni Nata, Kesaia Makita, Asenaca Ravulo, Rogowale Seniviavia, Dr Mere Samisoni, Emele Duituturaga, Jope Koroisavou, Silivenusi Waqausa and Malakai Vuetibau.

The defendants are the party and its officials Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Adi Litia Qionibaravi, Anare Jale and Usaia Waqatairewa.

The summons for stay of execution of the judgment and orders of the High Court pending appeal were withdrawn and dismissed.

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