Registrar explains what can happen to suspended party

The FijiFirst party is likely to face deregistration if it fails to comply with the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act by July 15, says acting registrar of political parties Ana Mataiciwa.

In a statement issued yesterday, she said the political party had been given 60 days to comply.

She said if the party did not submit anything in the first 30 days which ends on June 15, their suspension would continue for another 30 days to July 15.

“However, if they still fail to submit by then, we will have no option but to proceed with the deregistration process in which the party will be requested to explain and justify, why they should not be deregistered,” Ms Mataiciwa said.

“Their response will determine the existence of the FijiFirst thereafter.”

She said records showed that the political party had always been up to date with their disclosures until this year.

Ms Mataiciwa said the party was working towards getting its audited accounts submitted before the deadline, which was June 15, 2023.

The statement was sent to the party general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for a response.

FFP was suspended with immediate effect on May 17 for failing to submit audited accounts.