FIJI: Chaudhry Suspicious Over "Extra" Ballots
-By Ricardo Morris/Pacific Magazine
Fiji's opposition leader Mahendra Chaudhry today questioned the printing of more ballot papers than are needed for several constituencies saying it was "very suspicious".
Chaudhry, the Fiji Labour Party leader and caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's greatest rival, said between 9718 and 27,225 extra ballot papers were printed in these constituencies and that some of these "have now disappeared."
"It is dangerous to print excessive ballot papers. These extra papers can be used to stuff ballot boxes as was done in 2001," Chaudhry said in a statement today.
"This is very suspicious. It reflects on the integrity and credibility of the 2006 general election."
The Government Printer, Vilikesa Nareki confirmed printing that many ballot papers saying he was working under the direction of the Elections Office. But the Supervisor of Elections, Semesa Karavaki denied ballots had gone missing saying he was "amazed" at such reports.
Karavaki cautioned against believing what he described as stories calculated to "misinform and deceive people."
In the Ba Open constituency - which Chaudhry is contesting - 29,890 ballot papers were printed, while there are only 20,759 registered voters, the Labour leader said.
Chaudhry claimed "even more" were printed on Friday night for the Ba Open constituency and "these additional papers have now disappeared."
He cited four other constituencies in which excessive ballot papers were printed.
The Vanua Levu West Indian Communal constituency has 7754 voters but 25,950 ballot papers were printed.
The party claimed 27,225 extra ballot papers were printed for the Ra Open seat which has 45,150 voters.
For the Macuata Fijian Provincial Communal seat, 12,778 ballot papers were printed and for the Macuata East/Cakaudrove Indian Communal seat 9718 ballot papers were printed.
Chaudhry said it appears "the problems" are "quite widespread".
"The Supervisor of Elections must provide an explanation on why there was a need to print ballot papers in such huge excess, above the voter requirement."
The information, Chaudhry said, has been handed over to police for investigation.
"The Labour Party is seeking an explanation from both the chairman of the Electoral Commission (Graham Leung) and the Supervisor of Elections (Semesa Karavaki) on why ballot papers had to be printed in such excessive numbers for these constituencies."
