16 December 2021

In referring to the Fiji Times coverage of the Supervisor of Elections [SoE] pointing out the facts and evidence on the FEO Financial Statements, we wish to raise concern at the statement by the Editor of the paper.

In highlighting the improper reporting and lack of balance, the SoE had specifically raised questions that ought to have been answered by Anish Chand, Fred Wesley and the Fiji Times. One will note that no such responses were received and it appears that Fiji Times also did not answer similar queries raised by the media.

“This newspaper does not seem to have any obligation to report with balance and without bias. And Mr. Wesley’s comments allude that he was under no ethical obligation to verify the statements before it was published,” raises Mr. Saneem.

Mr Saneem raised that the FEO was concerned that every time the FEO corrects Fiji Times or highlights misinformation published by the newspaper, it reports it as an attack on the paper.

“The newspaper appears to consider that its actions, despite being proven wrong and tantamount to publication of misinformation, should not be corrected. A 2cm column in a hidden portion of the paper is not sufficient,” says Mr. Saneem.

Mr. Wesley and Anish Chand should rightfully provide responses to the questions or explain why they failed to provide balance in their coverage.

-Ends-