The FijiFirst Party, which was in power after the 2014 and 2018 general elections, has been de-registered by Ana Mataiciwa in accordance with section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
This action was prompted by a complaint from Mosese Bulitavu, a former FijiFirst MP who is now an independent. He alleged that FijiFirst had violated its constitution by preventing its Parliamentary Leader from participating in the Leadership Committee meetings. Mataiciwa pointed out that FijiFirst’s constitution did not have any such provision.
FijiFirst was given a clear directive to amend its constitution to include the necessary provisions outlined in Schedule 2 of the Act by May 30th, 2024.
The party was given until 4 p.m. on Friday, June 28th, 2024, to make the required changes. However, as the party did not comply with this requirement, FijiFirst has been de-registered immediately, in accordance with section 12(4) of the Act.
According to section 20(1) of the Act, no one is allowed to call a meeting of members or officers except to wind up the political party or challenge its de-registration. The Registrar will begin winding up the party if no appeal is filed within 14 days.
The Registrar of Political Parties has communicated this decision to all 26 FijiFirst Members of Parliament and the Speaker of Parliament.
The Speaker, in his crucial role, has requested FijiFirst MPs to promptly inform him of their decision to either become independent members or join an existing party if the breaches are not corrected.
