The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and the National Federation Party (NFP) have filed a petition in the Fiji High Court challenging the procedures and results of last month's general election.
The leader of Fiji's opposition SODELPA party Sitiveni Rabuka announces his party's candidates to contest next month's elections. Photo: RNZ / Kelvin Anthony
The petition was filed this afternoon with SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka and (NFP) leader Biman Prasad signing affidavits.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the opposition parties said the petition arose out of issues surrounding the conduct, count and tallying of results.
Photo: RNZI/Alex Perrottet
They said the matters raised included claims of unlawful conduct by election candidates under the Electoral Act and breaches by the Supervisor of Elections of his duties under the same act.
Today is the last day that parties can file petitions in the High Court to dispute returns.
The statement said the petition must, under the Constitution, be determined by the court by December 31.
The ruling FijiFirst party returned to power last month but with a reduced majority. In the 51 seat chamber, the government has 27 seats, SODELPA 21 and NFP 3.