Press Release

March Hearing for Waqanika Stay Application

Posted by Media Team 29 January 2026

The Suva High Court has scheduled a hearing in March this year in the Stay Proceedings application filed by Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika.

The matter was called for its first call before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull this morning.

Ms. Waqanika is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Publicly Indicating Opposition to a Political Party.

Counsel for the applicant, Barbara Malimali informed the court that the applicant is seeking to have the hearing fixed for 20 March 2026, noting that the matter is not expected to be prolonged and may rely on submissions from similar Stay Proceedings applications filed by former Deputy Prime Ministers Hon. Manoa Kamikamica and Professor Biman Prasad.

FICAC Acting Principal State Counsel Joseph Work advised the court that the respondent requires seven days to file an affidavit in opposition.

Mr. Work raised concerns that there are public commentaries on the substantive matter and may it be noted on the court record.

Justice Bull granted FICAC’s request for seven days to file and serve the affidavit in opposition.

The court directed that the applicant’s reply and submissions be filed by 19 February 2026, with FICAC’s submissions to be filed and served by 5 March 2026.

The matter has been adjourned to 20 March 2026 for hearing.

It is alleged that on or about 19 April 2024, while serving as a public officer namely as a Board Member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, Ms. Waqanika publicly indicated opposition to the political party SODELPA, contrary to Section 14(7) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.