Rewa High Chief, Na Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa has until 3pm Thursday to respond to a complaint filed against her to the Fijian Elections Office.
Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataciwa confirmed to FijiLive that they received a complaint yesterday and the FEO will review all information received, including the response from Ro Teimumu and make a decision accordingly.
“The FEO has written to Ro Teimumu Kepa requesting her response to the complaint allegation levelled against her.”
It has been established that the complaint is with regards to Ro Teimumu’s recent appointments to two boards.
She was appointed a Board Member of Fiji Airports Limited and the Chairperson of the Tertiary Scholarship Loans Scheme.
In taking up the two roles, she becomes a public officer.
While the complainant’s details have not been released, Mataiciwa confirmed they have obtained confirmation of appointment from the two Boards and also confirmed that Ro Teimumu has not resigned from SODELPA.
“Section 14(7) of Political Parties Act will apply. Conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both,” Mataiciwa further mentioned.
Subsection 1 (c) of Section 14 (7) states that a public officer shall not engage in political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of that person’s office in an election or (d) publicly indicate support for or opposition to any proposed political party or a political party registered under this Act or candidate in an election.
Ro Teimumu is a founding member of SODELPA, contested the last election under the party banner and is also on the Management Board of the party.
