News

Waqanika fronts court for electoral offence

Posted by Media Team 11 December 2025

Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today to answer to an electoral offence under the Political Parties Act.

Ms. Waqanika appeared before Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza and is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Publicly Indicating Opposition to a Political Party.

It is alleged that on or about 19 April 2024, while serving as a public officer—namely a Board Member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited - Ms. Waqanika publicly indicated opposition to the political party SODELPA.

The charge is brought under Section 14(7) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.

FICAC Counsel Joseph Work informed the court that First Phase Disclosures have been served to the accused.

The prosecution sought seven days to prepare and file the Second Phase Disclosures.

Defence counsel, Barbara Malimali acknowledged receipt of the First Phase Disclosures and informed the court that the defence will be filing an application for Stay Proceedings in the High Court.

Resident Magistrate Hamza granted Ms. Waqanika a non-cash bail bond of $2,500 for each of her two sureties.

She has been ordered to report to the FICAC Office in Suva at the end of each month, not to reoffend, not to change her residential address and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

The matter has been adjourned to 26 January 2026.