FijiFirst, the political party of former Fijian leader Bainimarama, has been deregistered

Fiji First leader Frank Bainimarama speaks at a rally in Suva.
photo: RNZ/Philippa Tolley

The Registrar of Political Parties in Fiji says the largest party in the country’s parliament, FijiFirst, has been officially deregistered.

The party led by former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has 14 days to appeal the verdict or a “winding up” process will be initiated.

The Fijian Elections Office said in a statement on Monday that the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, had cancelled the registration of Fiji First in accordance with Section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosure) Act 2013.

“On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the Fiji First Party was served with notice to amend its constitution to incorporate the provisions required by Schedule 2 of the Act.

“The party must make the necessary changes by 4pm on Friday, June 28, 2024. As the party has not yet complied

Pursuant to this request, Fiji Priority Bank hereby cancels its registration with immediate effect,” Matasiwa said in the statement.

Frank Bainimarama is serving a year in prison after being arrested during the 2014 election campaign.
photo: RNZ/Chloe Hawkins

Deregistration means Fiji First can no longer operate as a political party.

Mateisiwa said that under the Political Parties Act, anyone who is unhappy with the decision can appeal to the Electoral Commission within 14 days from the date of the decision.

“If no appeal is made to the Fijian Elections Commission before the end of the 14-day appeal period, the Registrar will commence winding-up proceedings under section 28(1) of the Act,” she said.

According to a statement from the Electoral Office, all 26 Fiji First MPs and Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu have been notified of the decision.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, a core member of the FijiFirst party and the Government, told local media that “cancellation of registration is the least of their worries”. Fiji Times Report.

Last week, New Zealand-based Fijian academic, Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, told Radio New Zealand Pacific that the party’s deregistration would “complicate” Fiji’s political landscape.