The Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa has today, de-registered FijiFirst in accordance with section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act, 2013.

Mataiciwa says on Thursday 30 May 2024, FijiFirst was notified to amend its constitution to include provisions required under Schedule 2 of the Act.

She says the party was given until 4 pm on Friday 28 June 2024, to make the necessary amendments, however, the party has not complied with this requirement, and FijiFirst is deregistered effective immediately.

Mataiciwa says following the deregistration, section 20(1) of the Act stipulates that no person shall summon a meeting of members or officers of the political party other than to wind up the political party or to challenge the deregistration of the political party or attend or make a person attend a meeting in the capacity of a member or officer of the political party.

Mataiciwa says no one shall also publish a notice or advertisement relating to a meeting of the political party, or invite persons to support the political party.

She says no one is also allowed to make a contribution or loan to funds held or to be held by or for the benefit of the political party or accept a contribution or loan or give a guarantee regarding such funds.

The Registrar of Political Parties added that pursuant to section 30(1) of the Act, any person aggrieved by this decision to deregister FijiFirst may appeal to the Electoral Commission of Fiji within 14 days from the date of this decision.

She says if no appeal is lodged with the Electoral Commission of Fiji by the end of the 14-day appeal period, the Registrar will commence the winding-up process as per section 28(1) of the Act.

The Registrar of Political Parties has notified all 26 FijiFirst Members of Parliament and the Speaker of Parliament of this decision.