August 01, 2012

Registration halfway


August 1, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom
By ARISHMA DEVI

The number of registered voters is now more than half way; almost reaching Government’s target of registering 600,000 Fijians.

As the electronic voter registration began for the fifth week, the total registration across EVR centres stands at 305,631. This includes the total newly registered voters on Monday at 11,619.

Meanwhile, EVR’s centres in the Central Division recorded 4470 on Monday, increasing the division’s grand total to 122,381.

Centres throughout the Western Division have recorded registrations at 107,675.

The Northern Division has tallied registrations to 61,266.


Over 300,000 registered voters now


Publish date/time: 01/08/2012 [07:07]

The provisional grand total of the number of people registering to vote now stands at 305,631 as of Monday.

About 660,000 potential voters are expected to be registered by the Elections Office.

Story by: William Waqavakatoga


Madraiwiwi, the first character witness


Publish date/time: 01/08/2012 [11:13]

Former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwiwi is the first character witness in the mitigation for former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase today after he was convicted of six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest.

The other character witnesses are Former Methodist Church President Reverend Josateki Koroi and United Peoples Party leader Mick Beddoes.

Qarase's lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo is also expected to present her submission on the sentencing.

Stay with us for coverage on Qarase's mitigation and sentencing.

Story by: Vijay Narayan


Families, supporters await Qarase ruling


August 01, 2012 10:06:57 AM


Families and well wishers of former Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) board director Laisenia Qarase have lined up outside the High Court in Suva and are desperately awaiting the ruling of Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando. 


Justice Fernando yesterday upheld the assessors' decision and convicted the former Prime Minister for corruption related charges. 


He is convicted of of six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to a property in which he has a private interest. 


This morning, Qarase’s lawyer Tupou Draunidalo is expected to call four to five character witnesses and she is also expected to present her submission on the sentencing. 


The maximum sentence for abuse of office is three years imprisonment while the charge of discharging his duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest carries the maximum sentence of one year imprisonment. 


Justice Fernando will rule on Qarase’s sentence after going through the submissions. 


It was alleged that Qarase between 1992 to 2000 while employed as a director of Fijian Holdings Limited, Financial Advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts. 


He was alleged to have applied in the name of Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited for the issuance and allotment of Class A shares in Fijian Holdings Limited. 


More than 200 people are lined up while there is tight security around the High Court complex with Police and Military presence. 


More to follow.....

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