Five of Fiji’s registered nine political parties have submitted their nominations to contest the 2022 General Election, three days away from the close of nominations.
Of the five, the Fijian Elections Office has only approved New Generation’s five candidates having submitted their nominations early this week whilst the other four parties handed in theirs later – Fiji Labour Party did so yesterday whilst the National Federation Party, SODELPA, and the governing FijiFirst party handed in theirs today to Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem at the St Stephen’s Building in Suva.
NFP, and FijiFirst submitted 55 names each, FLP, 54, and SODELPA 53 with nominations still to be filed by the People’s Alliance, Unity Fiji, We Unite Fiji party, and the All People’s Party.
The People’s Alliance did turn up to submit its nominations today as scheduled, but it is understood that they will be filing again later due to documentation-related reasons, at a time to be confirmed.
Commenting on the issue when asked, Mr. Saneem said: “As far as we know that the application will be submitted again.”
All of the nominations submitted today will be vetted by the Fijian Elections Office.
Meanwhile, after submitting their list, SODELPA Party leader Viliame Gavoka did not say why they fielded two short of the full parliamentary complement of 55 candidates.
He did say however that they can now “focus fully on campaigning.”
To date, six candidates have been approved, including an independent candidate.
Nominations close midday Monday 14 November.
