Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) leader Viliame Gavoka has called for clarity from Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem on the comments made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama about the 2022 General Election being carried out “quickly”.
While speaking with members of the Fijian diaspora at the Doubletree Hotel in San Francisco last week, the PM said the country would go to the polls this year.
Mr Bainimarama also said he was not sure “when exactly” the general election would be held and said, “it will be not like the two previous elections, it won’t be long”.
Mr Gavoka said the PM’s comments needed clarity.
“We know with pre-polls, the elections actually happen over three weeks, so what has changed?” he said.
“Our party has a huge provincial base, and the pre-polls don’t always work for us as arrangements can be confusing and many voters miss out.”
While reaffirming SODELPA’s readiness for the polls, Mr Gavoka said they were “the most ready party” for the elections.
“We have 49 provisional candidates on the campaign trail and gaining traction all across the country. If it’s December, that is fine with us, with more time to solidify our position.”
• Questions sent to Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem remain unanswered when this edition went to press.
