2 Dec 2013

Amended Fiji decree to intimidate political parties and officials - Chaudhry

10:50 am on 2 December 2013

The Fiji Labour Party says the government has introduced more draconian measures aimed at undermining the country's political opposition.

The Political Parties Decree was first introduced nearly a year ago and placed onerous financial and membership demands on the parties.

Labour's leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the latest amendments give the elections' registrar wider powers to obtain information on the finances of political parties and officials.

He calls it unlawful, unconstitutional and an invasion of privacy that aims to destroy political parties.

"'It is to discourage people from playing active role in political parties and extract confidential information in respect of political parties, their families and the party itself, which they could be in position to use to intimidate the officials of the party as well as others who are active in the political arena."