19 Sep 2014

Fiji election claims require evidence

5:05 pm on 19 September 2014

The Fiji Electoral Commissioner Chen Bunn Young says it is unfair to indict Fiji's whole elections process without evidence being presented.

Five political parties have complained of systematic fraud in Fiji's first elections for eight years and called for a stop to the process.

The Commissioner says even if there are small incidents, these may be insignificant in the whole picture.

"It is really unfair for the press to make and throw in an indictment against the whole process merely on the whim of individuals who have made an allegation of fraud without particulars, and they should know better."

Chen Bunn Young says it is expecting the parties' evidence later today.

The Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem says the media is being led on a wild goose chase by some politicians over claims vote counting had stopped.

"And whoever is alleging this some bold politician, his agents were in here, the whole day, looking at the count so really frustrating at the is point in time for an organisation that is trying to deliver the election."

Mr Saneem says counting has been going on constantly since the polls closed on election day.

The authorities say it will be two or three days before a final election result can be declared.

The FijiFirst party of prime minister Frank Bainimarama holds a commanding 60 percent of the vote so far.

Fiji Electoral Commissioner Chen Bunn Young Sent and Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem

Fiji Electoral Commissioner Chen Bunn Young Sent and Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem Photo: Phillippa Tolley