Fiji's anti-corruption agency is investigating two complaints against political parties involving racial and religious vilification.
Photo: RNZI Sally Round
The chairperson of Fiji's electoral commission Suresh Chandra says Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption - FICAC - has been asked to immediately investigate.
The commission has not revealed which parties are being investigated.
It called a press conference yesterday to issue a warning it won't tolerate religious or racial vilification during campaigning for elections.
Mr Chandra said in order to have free and fair elections, the build-up needs to be clean.
"There are reports for representatives from political parties, particularly in pocket meetings, there are instances of religious vilification and campaigns creating racial tension. This is not on."
Mr Chandra urged people to use their smartphones to record such behaviour and forward it to the commission or FICAC.
He said FICAC had assured the commission they would deal with such complaints expediently and take cases to court if there was sufficient evidence to support a charge.
He said the agency had assured the commission whistleblowers would be protected.
Political parties had to share the responsibility for advocating strongly against religious and racial vilification, Mr Chandra said and he said they should consider recording their meetings for their own protection.
He also urged them to have their own code of conduct to deal with breaches.
"We want the 2018 general election to be a platform for voters to express their will and confidence, security and freedom."
Elections are due this year although the election date has yet to be announced.
