News

Man convicted for breaching Electoral Act

Posted by Media Team 13 November 2025

A man who breached the Electoral Act during the 2018 General Election has been found guilty by the Nadi Magistrates Court.

Serevi Turaganicolo was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of Campaign Restrictions During Polling.

The court heard that Mr. Turaganicolo, using the Facebook account “Serevi Gonewai,” posted a political message on the forum Chat Fiji during the 48-hour campaign blackout period from 12 to 14 November 2018, in support of a political party.

Resident Magistrate Mareta Tikoisuva noted that the then FICAC Digital Forensic Investigator, Frank Tora, confirmed the authenticity of the Facebook account and identified Mr. Turaganicolo as its user.

She highlighted that such offences undermine public confidence and influence voters during a period intended to ensure fairness before polling.

In sentencing, the Magistrate considered that Mr. Turaganicolo pleaded guilty, saving the court’s time and resources, and was a first offender.

He was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, and fined $500, payable within 30 days.

Mr. Turaganicolo has 28 days to appeal.