THERE has been an increase in political violence and vandalism targeted at the FijiFirst party, says the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
The commission said this in a statement on a Rajesh Prasad who was produced in the Labasa Magistrates Court on Wednesday for allegedly tearing a FijiFirst candidate Alvick Maharaj’s campaign poster, placed on private property in Labasa.
Mr Prasad was charged with non-interference in campaign under Section 111 (1) of the Electoral Act.
The matter was called before Suva Magistrate Jeremiah via skype, who granted Mr Prasad bail in the sum of $500 non-cash and ordered him not to reoffend while on bail and to report to the FICAC office in Labasa every Friday beginning today.
FICAC said there were already more reported incidents of political violence and vandalism during this campaign period than the 2014 and 2018 general elections.
It said it was working with the Fiji Police Force to ensure a safe environment in which any independent candidate, political party or political candidate could campaign safely and in a lawful manner.
