The Supervisor of Elections has this afternoon issued a Section 144 notice to Mr Haroon Ali Shah, representative of the Fiji Labour Party, directing him to correct a statement issued on 18 May 2022 in relation to tender procurement practices of the government.

Following clarification from the chair of the Government Tender Board, the Supervisor has found that the statements at the campaign rally of the Fiji Labour Party were designed to influence the outcome of the election but were manifestly false and without any evidence.

Mr Haroon Ali Shah has been directed to immediately correct the statements and provide proof to the Supervisor of having executed the same.

In any event, the Supervisor has given Mr Haroon Ali Shah until 5pm on Thursday, 30 June 2022 to do so, failing which he will be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, according to law.

“The Fijian Elections Office encourages all political parties and their representatives to engage in ethical Campaign practices for the 2022 General Election” remarked the Supervisor of Elections, Mr Mohammed Saneem.

Section 144A (4) of the Electoral Act states:

“Any person or political party that contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both”