Campaigns Start Tomorrow
The official 2022 General Elections campaign period starts tomorrow – April 26, 2022. The Fijian Elections Office is expected to launch the campaign guidelines today detailing the do’s and don’ts that political parties have to adhere to while campaigning.
According to the Electoral Act 2014, the campaign period must not be earlier than 30 days prior to the completion of the three years and six months period of the sitting of Parliament after the last election and later than 48 hours prior to the upcoming election.
The current term of Parliament expires on May 26, 2022.
Restrictions on Opinion Polls: publications of election-related polls are prohibited seven days prior to Election Day and the day of election. A breach of this provision incurs a fine upon conviction of not more than $10,000.
Non-interference in campaign: No private citizen or public official may hinder in any manner whatsoever the lawful campaign activity of any political party or candidate, including the distribution and placement of campaign materials and the holding of campaign rallies and meetings.
It is unlawful for any person to tear, remove or cover up any campaign material posted in designated public places.
Contravention of this provision attracts a conviction, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or 5years imprisonment or both.
Campaign Materials: Any campaign material published and distributed by parties and candidates must include the name and address of the person and organisation who authorised and paid for the printing of the material; the name of the company that printed the material along with its business address and the date of issue.
For more details, please scan the QR Code below to read the Electoral laws.