Unity Fiji leader and former governor of Reserve Bank of Fiji Savenaca Narube says the confirmation of the start of the campaign period is a welcomed change and hopes that such tactics will be reflected throughout the campaign period.
The Electoral Commission made the announcement yesterday, confirming 26 April as the start date for parties’ 2022 General Elections campaign.
“This is a welcomed change from the elections in 2014 and 2018. Unity Fiji hopes that this improvement in transparency and clarity will be reflected right throughout the campaign,” Narube said.
“Every political party including the Fiji First Party must be subjected to one law.”
With the period start date in place, Narube said the party will implement its campaign strategic plan which among other things include rev up visits to communities across Fiji, increasing their visibility and advertisements in line with campaign rules, finalise their manifesto, preparing campaign materials, as well as screen and finalise candidates.
Unity Fiji expects to file 55 candidates, and so far, has received 70 applicants.
“We thank the applicants who have applied. The application period is still open. We will be screening them in April.”
Financial and building its community structure are challenges that the party has had to and continue to endure.
During the campaign period, all the laws relating to the conduct of campaigns effective such as certain sections of the Electoral Act 2014 which provide for such things as placings of the campaign materials, disclosures that should be on all campaign materials, and restrictions around the use of state resources in campaigns.
The campaign period runs until 48 hours before the start of the 2022 General Election, the date for which will be determined by the President of Fiji on the advice of the Prime Minister. Elections can be held any time between 9 July this year and 9 January next year.
