16 Dec 2018 | 01:02 AM UTC
Fiji: High Court to hear election petitions December 17 /update 2
Fiji’s High Court to begin hearing election petitions filed by two opposition political parties on December 17; heightened security measures expected around courthouse
Event
Fiji’s High Court is expected to begin hearing election petitions filed by the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and the National Federation Party (NFP) opposition parties on Monday, December 17. According to media reports, the court will hear the cases starting at 10:00 (local time). As of Friday, December 14, neither party has announced plans to rally outside the courthouse during the hearing; however, demonstrations by opposition supporters cannot be ruled out. Heightened security measures are anticipated around the High Court during the hearing.
Context
SODELPA and NFP leaders filed petitions to challenge the results of the November 14 general elections. Both parties claim that there was unlawful conduct by election candidates during the vote. According to the initial results, the ruling FijiFirst party won 27 seats out of 51, with SODELPA securing 21 and NFP 3.
Advice
Individuals in Fiji are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
