A man has been convicted by the Nadi Magistrates Court for violating the Electoral Act during the 2018 General Election in Fiji. Serevi Turaganicolo faced charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for breaching campaigning restrictions during a critical polling period.
The court revealed that Turaganicolo used his Facebook account, “Serevi Gonewai,” to post a political message on the “Chat Fiji” forum during a 48-hour campaign blackout that was in place from November 12 to 14, 2018. This was confirmed by then-FICAC Digital Forensic Investigator Frank Tora, who verified the authenticity of Turaganicolo’s account.
Resident Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva stressed the serious nature of such offenses, noting that they undermine public trust in the electoral process and can unfairly sway voter opinions during a time specifically designated to ensure fair elections.
Considering Turaganicolo’s guilty plea, which demonstrated a willingness to preserve judicial resources, and acknowledging that he was a first-time offender, the court handed down a sentence of 15 months in prison, suspended for three years, along with a fine of $500 to be paid within 30 days. Turaganicolo retains the right to appeal the ruling within 28 days.
This case highlights the significance of adhering to electoral laws that protect the integrity of the democratic process. Upholding these regulations is essential for fostering public trust in governance and ensuring fair elections in the future. The ruling serves as a strong reminder of the importance of compliance with rules that ensure transparency and accountability within Fiji’s democratic framework, ultimately contributing to a more trustworthy electoral environment.