News

UN High Commissioner never met me: Saneem

February 21, 2018 1:45 am

Supervisor of Elections, Mohamed Saneem has revealed that UN High Commissioner, Zeid Raád Al Hussein never met with him, the Electoral Commission or anyone from the Fijian Elections Office.

Saneem questioned the motives behind UN High Commissioner making insinuation about the autonomy of the FEO.

“Here we have a classic case of a flyby where the maker of the statement fell victim to bias, probably politically influenced statements to be drawn by some as the ultimate conclusion on the matter. We have already seen how the unsubstantiated statement is being made a political football and being tossed around until the conclusion of the election of may be thereafter.”

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Saneem spoke at the media training workshop that is underway in Suva where he listed the various legal provisions in the Electoral Act and the 2013 Constitution which protects the independence of the Elections Office and of the Supervisor of Elections.

Saneem anticipates there will be more criticism in the lead up to the election.

“This incident also shows how important it is to do thorough research. This is an election year and I am sure you will come across event more controversial statements. I would urge that the people of Fiji who are the key stakeholder and the ultimate beneficiaries of the electoral process have a right to the most accurate information.”

The workshop is being attended by all major media outlets who will be covering the polls later this year.