A businessman has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC)
Mesulame Yawa was charged with one (1) count of Campaign Restrictions During Polling contrary to Section 63 (1) (d) of the Electoral Act.
It is alleged that on or about 14 December 2022, Yawa in Savusavu called out political messages whilst being within the 300-metre radius from the boundary of the polling venue situated at Kasavu Primary School.
The Fiji Police Force received the initial complaint and conducted investigations before referring the matter to FICAC under the Electoral Act for further investigation and prosecution.
FICAC State Counsel Rajiv Pathak informed the Court that the first phase of disclosures has been served.
Resident Magistrate Savou granted a non-cash bail of $500 and ordered Yawa not to re-offend whilst on bail.
Mesulame Yawa was also ordered not to interfere with state witnesses and not to change his residential address without first informing the Court.
Yawa is to report to the Savusavu Police Station every month commencing on 26 December 2022.
The matter has been adjourned to 13 January 2023 at the Labasa Magistrates Court.