Fiji Labour Party Candidate Ajay Nand has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for an election breach and was produced at the Suva Magistrates Court on Friday, 9 December 2022.
Nand has been charged with Prohibition on Use of State Resources to Campaign contrary to section 113 (4) of the Electoral Act 2014.
It is alleged that on or about 5 December 2022 in the Central Division, Nand conducted campaign activities and distributed campaign materials bearing the candidate number 459 inside the Korovou Police Station.
Under Section 113 of the Electoral Act 2014, it is unlawful to conduct campaign activities or to post or distribute any campaign material inside a public office.
FICAC State Counsel Ms Arieta Vaganalau informed the court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.
Resident Magistrate Kiran granted a non-cash bail of $750 and ordered Nand not to re-offend whilst on bail.
Ajay Nand was also ordered not to interfere with state witnesses, not to change his residential address without first informing the Court and to surrender all travel documents to the Court.
A stop departure order has been issued against Ajay Nand.
Nand is to report to the FICAC Office in Suva on the last Friday of every month between 8am to 4pm.
The matter has been adjourned to 18 January 2023 at the Korovou Magistrates Court for second phase disclosures and plea.
The Fiji Police Force received the initial complaint and conducted investigation before referring the matter to FICAC under the Electoral Act for further investigation and prosecution.
The Fiji Police Force and FICAC have joined forces to investigate and prosecute offences under the Electoral Act as required under the Electoral laws.