FEO Rejects $2 Million Demand Notice as Legally Baseless

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has rejected a $2 million demand notice, describing the proposed legal action against the Supervisor of Elections, four officers, and the organization as without legal or factual basis.

The demand notice, issued on June 29, 2026, alleges malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office. The FEO's legal representative, Shailend Krishna of Krishna & Co Lawyers, formally responded, stating that the proposed claims are unsustainable in law and that the FEO's officers acted in good faith and in accordance with their statutory responsibilities.

The FEO emphasized that an acquittal in criminal proceedings does not automatically give rise to civil liability against public officers carrying out their official duties. The response also noted that decisions relating to criminal investigations and prosecutions are made independently by the Fiji Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions under Fiji's constitutional framework.

The FEO described the demand as "not only an abuse of process but is bordering on extortion of monies against the FEO as well as the officers mentioned in the notice." It stated that if legal proceedings were commenced, it and the officers concerned would defend the matter through the proper legal process while continuing to carry out their statutory responsibilities in accordance with the law.