Transcript
The South Pacific Stock Exchange says its Chief Executive Latileta Qoro has resigned after taking responsibility for a miscount of votes in the elections for the director of the investment company, Fijian Holdings.
In media statements the Stock Exchange apologised for initially releasing incorrect results to shareholders, and noted that certain proxies and votes were invalid.
But former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, who represented several shareholders at the election, disputes that version of events.
"I haven't seen any evidence to support the allegation that there was an error. There was an overwhelming presence of those who supported the other candidate. There was a declaration by the chairman that he had won. It came as a complete shock later in the evening that that decision was reversed."
Mr Qarase says the election reversal which gave victory to a government permanent secretary, was unfair and lacking in transparency.
"The change was done within a small group of people who decided on the issue without the knowledge of the great majority of the other shareholders. I believe there was a group of people from the Government side that virtually interfered in the process of election."
The former Prime Minister says he believes the Stock Exchange CEO was forced to resign.
Fiji's Shadow Transport Minister Aseri Radrodro says her immediate resignation raises questions about whether proper processes were followed.
"We just want to see that there is a fair process and a proper tribunal taking place to ensure that the voices of the people are actually heard and not be one-sided for a decision to be made."
The Shadow Minister says its becoming blatantly apparent people are being dismissed on the instructions of 'shadowy powers'.
He's calling for the Human Rights Commission to investigate a growing trend of terminations occurring without the due process of the law - including five dismissals of staff from the Land Transport Authority.
"That's something that we see is becoming an obvious thing on an everyday, on a regular basis now where people are being terminated and the termination is with immediate effect. This is something that is very alarming."
Fijian Holdings states that its core purpose is to encourage the participation of indigenous Fijians in the commercial sector and enhance their economic standing.
Laisenia Qarase says the longer the Government interferes in the running of the company the worse its results will get.
"The surprising thing is that the Government has absolutely no financial link with the company. The company had paid off an amount of money that was given to Fijian Holdings years back. They should leave the company alone.
Mr Qarase says another election should have been held to clear the air.
