A man has been convicted by the Nadi Magistrates Court for violating the Electoral Act during the 2018 General Election. Serevi Turaganicolo faced charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for breaching campaigning restrictions during polling.
The court revealed that Turaganicolo posted a political message on his Facebook account “Serevi Gonewai” on the “Chat Fiji” forum during a prohibited 48-hour campaign blackout period, which lasted from November 12 to 14, 2018. This action was confirmed by the then FICAC Digital Forensic Investigator, Frank Tora, who verified the authenticity of Turaganicolo’s account.
Resident Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva emphasized the critical nature of offenses like Turaganicolo’s, stressing that they undermine public trust in the electoral process and can unjustly influence voter opinions during a designated period meant to ensure fair elections.
The court considered Turaganicolo’s guilty plea, which reflected a willingness to conserve judicial resources, along with the fact that he was a first-time offender. As a result, he received a sentence of 15 months in prison, suspended for three years, along with a fine of $500 payable within 30 days. Turaganicolo has the right to appeal the ruling within 28 days.
This case underscores the importance of upholding electoral laws designed to maintain the integrity of the democratic process. Accountability in this sphere is vital for fostering public trust in governance and ensuring equitable elections in the future. The ruling sends a strong message about the necessity of adhering to rules that safeguard democratic principles, promoting a more transparent electoral environment in Fiji.