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\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 AT LAUTOKA
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ACTION NO. HBC269 OF 2001 L
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 PRASAD
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 PETITIONER
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 A
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GAMOTO
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Mr. V. Mishra for the Petitioner
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 Mr. S. Kumar for the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 and 2nd Respondents
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 Mr. S. Krishna &}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Mr. R. Sin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 gh for the 3}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Respondent
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 
\par Date of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Trial: 15-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 17 January 2002
\par Date of Judgement: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 8 February 2002
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12399862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 JUDGMENT
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 This case concerns the conduct of the Parlia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 mentary}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Elections for th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15563257\charrsid14959306 e seat of N}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 adi O
pen. The con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 stituency was contested in a Gen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eral Elect}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 ion held over several days from 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  August to 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 September 2001. The Petitioner Krishna }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 Prasad claims he should have bee}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n returned as Member, and not the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306  person who was declared member,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  nam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 ely, Pre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 m Singh, the 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 Respondent. Prem}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Singh was subsequently appointed by the President as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Leader of the Opposition. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 On 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
September 2001 the Returning Officer, declared Prem Singh to be the winner. This result was reached under Fiji's preferential system of v}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 oting after 6 rounds of counting}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . Only 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  candidates remained at the 6}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  count, the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  Petitioner and the 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  Respondent. The 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 rd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 Respondent won by 82 votes. 1,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
734 votes were declared invalid, that is a little over 10% of all o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 f the votes cast, a total of 16,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 340 vote.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 On 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 September 2001 through his solicitors the Petitioner filed an Election Petition with this court, as a Court of Disputed Returns. The Petitioner verified his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 petition by affidavit. The petition recited the history of the various counts in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
counting process. There are 4 main areas of complaint. Ground 4 A alleges that the ballot papers had been incorrectly printed with the party symbols of parties who had not put up candidates for this constituency. This resulted, it was said, in over 400 v
otes being cast for a party rather than for a candidate. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 Secondly,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 Grounds 4B & C allege that the verification process for postal votes was unsatisfactory. S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 pecific allegations were set out}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in the petition, chief of which was that verification took place for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 the most part }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 without the presence of the Petitioner or his counting agents.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Thirdly; in Ground 4F the Petitioner complains that the Returning }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  erred in not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 having }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a recount, t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 his being an election in which t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he difference in votes between the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 2 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nal}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  contestants was only 0.561%}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
. Fourthly, in Ground 14D it is said ballot papers having. a single tick below the line for the Petition}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 er were wrongly ruled invalid. There was a 5}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Ground, Ground 4E, which complained that "numerous votes had an upside d
own tick at the bottom of the ballot paper next to the Fiji Labour Party symbol and these were}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
wrongly declared invalid". As it hap}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12399862\charrsid14959306 pened after discovery had taken place and all part}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ies had inspected this category of ballot papers the number }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 of such}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  votes was very s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 all. Ticks f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 or the Petitioner ruled invalid
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  whether upside down ticks or disputed ticks, only amounted to 49 in all.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Petitioner seeks the following reliefs}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
(a) A declaration and/or determination that the Third Respondent Prem Singh the person who was returned as elected representative of the Nadi Open Constituency Seat was not duly elected.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13981144\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
(b) A declaration and/or determination that the Petitioner Krishna Prasad was the duly elected representative for the Nadi Open Constituency Seat.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid15540132 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 (c) Al}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ternatively a declaration that the said election for the Nadi Open Constituency Seat is absolutely void and that there be a fresh ballot for the third seat.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid15540132 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 
 The Respondents do pay the Pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 titioner the Costs of this Petition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4395617 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 As a result of subsequent summonses issued by the Petitioner and by the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 rd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Respondent, an order was made by consent for a discovery limited to the invalid votes}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
cast. This was a power exercised pursuant to section 148(1)(c) of the Electoral Act. However the section incorporated into statute law what had long been regarded as an }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 inh}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 erent r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 ight to inspect tendered ballot }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 
papers Peters}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ford case }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 Stowe v }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Joliffe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 (18}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 74)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6906294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 LR 9 CP 446. An orderly d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 iscovery therefore took place on 6}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  December 2001. This was a laborious process in which }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 the par}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 es their solicitors and counsel,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the Returning Officer, the Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 er Western and his staff, with t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he assistance of High Court registry staff, and the police as custodi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 ans of the ballot boxes, worked }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 painstakingly throughout the day from 9.30am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306  to past 7.30 at nigh}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Fortunately the parties kept within the limits of the order, and a permissive rummaging did not develop which might have endangered the secrecy of the ballot in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 
 a way that had drawn Rooney J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s adverse comments}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 Rakha v}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  The Returning Officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (Lautoka Indian Constituency) (unreported) Civil Action No. 289 of 1985; 31}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2388507\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  May 1985. Out of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15540132\charrsid14959306 
 discovery, in the case before me,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  was derived a helpful analysis of invalid votes cast, prepared by counsel and later exhibited in the course of 
evidence, categorised into below the line ticks, upside down ticks, disputed ticks and non-disputed invalid votes. Invalid votes not disputed came to 349 vo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 
tes. Without prejudice to their }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 respective arguments,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 counsel agreed that the total numb}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 er of invalid votes cast was 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ,733 (a f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 igure}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  subsequently thought to be 17
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 0 votes) and that the total}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  numb}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 er of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  valid vote cast was 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 4,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 607 votes. The Petit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 ioner by his petition did not ac}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 cept}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 of course that all of these}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 invalid votes should have been ruled invalid.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 To that petition the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Respondent filed an answer. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 The 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 Respondent's answer was in the form of an affidavit deposed to by Tevita Momoedonu, now the District Officer, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 Nadarivatu, w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 hich was sworn on 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 November 2001. The deponent had been an assistant Returning Officer for this c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 onstituency, and he was the offi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 cer in charge of the counting of votes. Hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 s 10 page affidavit went into ap}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 propriate detail about the conduct of the elections for this constituency. His ev}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 idence was largely unchallenged,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  deponent was not required by the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 Petitioner's counsel to attend for cross-examination upon his affidavit. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 The 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 rd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  filed an affidavit in answer to the Petition, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 denying its contents. It exhibited a circular that had been sent out by the Supervisor of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Elections. I shall revert to that later.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11148957 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In opposition to the Petition, the Respondents sought decl}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 arations that Prem Singh the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Respondent, had indeed been duly elected, and conversely that the Pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 titioner had not been d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 u}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 y elected, and lastly th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 at the Elections for the Nadi Op}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4395617\charrsid14959306 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 Constituency had been conducted in a free and fair manner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 in accordance with the Electoral Act 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 98.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11148957 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The trial }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
was heard over 3 days from 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  to 17}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 January }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 2002}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . The Petitioner himself}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 gave evidence and he was supported by one witness, his agent Krishna Chetty. One witness was call}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
ed for the Respondents; that w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 as Tomasi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  Tui the Divisional Planning Officer W}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 estern, perhaps the most senior of the Assistant Returning Officers who personally assisted the Returning Officer in a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 ll of his tasks as required by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the Supervisor of Elections. The Supervisor of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Elections gene}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
rously and fairly, through counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  offered }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 to answer any questions the court might have.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  This was a wholly proper and independent stance adopted aid manifested by the Supervisor as a constitutional office holder under section 169 of the Constitution, and in Fiji's d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 ifficult constitutional times. One specially to be noted and imitate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 d.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Elections t}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 o the House of Representative}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13507845 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Fiji}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 
's lower house,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  the House of Rep}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 resentatives}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306  consists 71 members. Under the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Constitu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11148957\charrsid14959306 
tion a single member is to be returned for each constituency [section 50]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 25 of those constituencies are open seats like Nadi Open, and a member is returned by the votes of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 persons who are registered on an open electoral roll [section 51(1)(b)]. Members are elected under the pre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306 
ferential system of voting know}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n as the alternative vote [section 54(1)]. The Constitution has empowered Parliament to make laws relating to elections for the House of Representat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 ives [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 section 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (2)].
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Under this power Parliame}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306 nt enacted the 1998 Electoral Act. This Act commenced on 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  July 1998. There have been 2 General Elections t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13507845\charrsid14959306 o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  date held under the 1998 Act.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9708027\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 The Court of Disputed Re}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 tu}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 rn}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12477374 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 By virtue of section 73(1) the Consti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 tution provides that the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 High}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 Court is to be the Court of Disputed Returns and that it has original jur}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 isdiction to near and determine:
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12477374 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8475613\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a question whether a person has been validly elect}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 ed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  as a member }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8475613\charrsid14959306 
of the House of Representatives;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12477374 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12477374 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (b) an application for a decla}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 ration that the place of a membe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 r of the House of Representatives or the Senate has}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8475613\charrsid14959306  become}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 vacant.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3763355 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Constitution provides that ele}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12477374\charrsid14959306 ction disputes are to be brough}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 t by petition, and only to the Court of Disputed Returns, and not i
n any other way [se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 ction 73(2)]. As a person who w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
as a candidate in the election concerned, the Petitioner qualified as a person who could brin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 g this petition [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 
section 73(3)(a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 )] and he brought it }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 within}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 the requisite 6 weeks from date of declaration of the poll [section 73(3)(b)]. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 The P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 etitioner also co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 plied with the provisions general}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 
ly of Order 9 of the High Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Rules and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
section 160(2) of the Electoral Act with regard to the contents of his petition. I understand that the requirement for payment into cour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 t of security for costs of $}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 500 pursuant to section 145 has been complied with by the Petitioner. The peti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 tion could not have proceeded fu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 rther without such compliance [section 147].
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3763355 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In conducting its enquiry into the election, the court must keep the pet}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 itioner to the m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 atters particularised in his petition }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Munro v. Balfour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (1893) 1 Q}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 B}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  113 at pl16 per Lord Col}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 eridge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  CJ. In }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Cameron v. Fish}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306  (1904).1 CLR 314 Griffith}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  CJ reused leave to amend particulars in a petition giving as reasons that this raised a s
ubstantially new ground of objection, and to do so would be to extend the time for presenting the petition. The need}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306  for swift disposal and the stru}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ctures of our laws, section 73(3)(b) Constitution and section 144(e) of the Electoral Act are mandatory when}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 
 requiring }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 petitions not alleging corrupt practices to be brought within 6 weeks of the declaration of the poll }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Cokanauto v. Sausauwai & Anor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 un}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 reporte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 d) Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306  High Court Civil Action No. 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 HBC0256 of 199}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 S}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ; 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  June 1999 where Sha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eem J. cited both cases
 with approval.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
It is clear that the Court of Disputed Returns exercises a special jurisdiction allowed by the Constitution and under the Electoral Act which }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 legislation}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  is in, the n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ure of a code }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Osborne v. Shepherd }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 [1981] 2 NSWLR 277 at p280}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 G; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Josefa Rusaqoli v. Attorney-General & Anor. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (unreported) Suva High Court Civil Action }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3763355\charrsid14959306 N}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 o.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 0149 of 1994S; 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  June 1994 at p6; both cited with approval by Shameem J in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14949729 Cokanauto}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (supra).
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid419579 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 
s it was, the Respondents' couns}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 el as indeed the court, did not allow Mr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Mishra to stray outside the confines of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306  his client's petition, when qu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 estions were being}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 put to the witnesses.

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid419579 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
The court may exercise all or any of its powers under section 148 of the Electoral Act "on such grounds as the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306  court in its discretion thinks}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  just and sufficient [section 148(5)]. The burden }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 of proof lies on the Petitioner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 : }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 Esther Pereira v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Chief Election}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Officer }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 (unreporte}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 d) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 Guyana High Court, Demerara No.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 36-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 P of 1998}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 ; January 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306  2001 at p11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 , to the standard, that the court must be "satisfied'' of the irregularity or that the failure affected 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 the result of the election [s.150;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 151] In Pereira (supra) the standard of proof vas held }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11733137\charrsid14959306 to be o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 n a preponderance of probabil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ity.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12087401 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Constitution provides that there is to be no appeal from a determination 
by the High Court, sitting as a Court of Disputed Returns [section 73(7) Constitution and section 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
(2) of the Electoral Act]. In contrast to the position existing then in the Privy Council case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 Devan Nair v.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Yuan Kuan Teik }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 [1967] 2 AC 31 where }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306 
a more detailed section in Malay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
sia's Election Offences Ordinance appeared to allow a limited right of appeal from interlocutory decisions, the position in Fiji would appear not to permit such interlocutory appeals in election petition proceedings : see too }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Lord Strickland v. Grima}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid419579\charrsid14959306  [1930]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  AC 283; }
{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 Senana}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 yake v. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 N}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 avaratne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  [1954]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  AC 6}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 40}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 . Section 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 3(7) of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306  Constitution does no more than}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  follo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the com}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 mon law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 principl}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 e that it is in t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he public interest that election disputes should be put to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  rest swiftly. In delivering}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the opinion of the Privy Council in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Devan Nair}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (supra) Lord Upjohn said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 at p 38F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3102692 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "...it was essential that such matters should be determined as quickly as possible, so that the assembly itself and the electors of the representatives thereto should kno
w their rights at the earliest possible moment."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12087401 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 This followed a much earli}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 er decision of the Privy Council in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Theberge }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 v}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Laudry }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 [1876] 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  App}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Cas 102 PC in which Her Maj}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 
esty's Council advised that there}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  was no right to seek prerogative review of the decision of the Superior C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 
ourt for the Province of Quebec,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Canada on an election petition. Lord Cairns LC said at p106:
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3102692 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "A jurisdiction of that kind is extremely special, and one of the obvious incidents or consequences of such a jurisdicti}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 on must be that the jurisdiction}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 by whomsoever it is to be exercised, should be exercised in a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 way that should as soon as possible become conclusive, and enable the constitution of the Legislative Assembly to be distinctly and speedily known."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12087401 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 118 of the Electoral Act, thoug}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 h stating that the decision of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a returning officer on a question arising on any, ballot paper is final, mak}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 es such decision subject to review}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 on an election petition under Part 7, that is by the Court of Disputed Returns. But the finality of the d
ecision means that an even heavier burden than that in ordinary litigation is cast upon the court to exercise the greatest care and fairness in arriving at its decision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Lastly it is the Supervisor of Elections as the Constitutional office holder who has b
een entrusted by Parliament, through the Constitution, with the overall task of conducting the elections of members of the House of Repre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 sentatives [section 79(2)(b)(i)]}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par Ground 4 A}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . Ballot }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 Papers Incorrectly printed}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 his}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306  is the ground alleging that the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306  ballot papers had been}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  printed to includ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12087401\charrsid14959306 e the party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 symbols of parties which had not put up candidates for this constituency. There were 10 such parries. It is said this inclusion was unlawful.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 Section 57(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ) of the Elect}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 ions Act 1998}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  provides:
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3102692 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
57-(1) The votes in a poll must be taken by ballot and the ballot of each voter must consist of a paper prepared in accordance with this Act.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 This}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  ballot pape}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
rs must be printed as follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "57-(3) Opposite each candidate's name on a ballot paper and opposite the n
ame of each registered political party or independent candidate, if any, which or who has recorded a list of preferences, as provided for by}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 section 61, a square must appear for}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306  the marking of votes by voters.}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 (4) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
......................
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 (5) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Where one or more registered political parties or independent candidates has lodged a list of preferences in respect of a constituenc}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 y}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 , the ballot papers for that constituency must, s}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 o far as practicable, be in the}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  form set out in P}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 art II}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 of the Schedule and will be kno}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 wn as "Part II}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306  Ballot Papers\'94.\'94}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11037295 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Having completed initial polling station procedures with the presiding officer or a polling clerk, the voter must in compliance with section 73(2)(b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3102692 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "privately mark his or her vote on the paper to th}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 e way prescribed by section 75}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 .}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3102692 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11037295 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 Since this was a constituency i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n which one of mor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 e registered political parties}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  or independent candidates had lodged a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3102692\charrsid14959306 list of preferences in respect o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4923691\charrsid14959306 f the constituency,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the ballot papers had to comply wit}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 h the form as set out in Part II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  of Schedule t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 o the Act. Part II was set out i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n the following way}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12655704 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 PART II}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Form of a ballot paper in an election where preferences have been lodged under sectio}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 n 61 by a registered political }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 ar}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ty or by an independent candidate.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft0\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth3\trwWidth9006\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb
\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth9006\clshdrawnil \cellx9006\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7820123 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2569008\charrsid14959306 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 CONSTITUENCY}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 \cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft0\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth3\trwWidth9006\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol 
\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth9006\clshdrawnil \cellx9006\row }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft0\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl
\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth3\trwWidth9006\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb
\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4154\clshdrawnil \cellx4154\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4852\clshdrawnil \cellx9006
\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7820123 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11037295\charrsid14959306 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2534\shptop215\shpright2901\shpbottom575\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz13\shplid1046
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 327680}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1046}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8205\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 
\par }}\dpx2534\dpy215\dpxsize367\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4464817\charrsid14959306 
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2121\shptop210\shpright2488\shpbottom570\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz12\shplid1045{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 262144}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1045}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 \'d7
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8204\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 \'d7
\par }}\dpx2121\dpy210\dpxsize367\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11037295\charrsid14959306 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1525\shptop31\shpright1892\shpbottom346\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz11\shplid1044
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 1114112}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1044}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8203\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 
\par }}\dpx1525\dpy31\dpxsize367\dpysize315\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4464817\charrsid14959306 
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft3171\shptop-5\shpright3538\shpbottom370\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz14\shplid1047{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 196608}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1047}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 0
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8206\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 0
\par }}\dpx3171\dpy-5\dpxsize367\dpysize375\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft3591\shptop-5\shpright3958\shpbottom370\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz15\shplid1048{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 65536}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1048}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8207\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 
\par }}\dpx3591\dpy-5\dpxsize367\dpysize375\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2497224\charrsid14959306 
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft432\shptop7\shpright799\shpbottom352\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz9\shplid1042{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 458752}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1042}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8201\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 
\par }}\dpx432\dpy7\dpxsize367\dpysize345\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft23\shptop5\shpright390\shpbottom350\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid1026{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 524288}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1026}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 *}{\insrsid6568119 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8192\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 *}{\insrsid6568119 
\par }}\dpx23\dpy5\dpxsize367\dpysize345\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1090\shptop21\shpright1457\shpbottom336\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz10\shplid1043{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 393216}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1043}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid2497224 +
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8202\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2497224 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid2497224 +
\par }}\dpx1090\dpy21\dpxsize367\dpysize315\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 UVW          XYZ            }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2569008\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 etc.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2497224\charrsid14959306 \cell }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 You may vote in one of two ways}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par 
\par EITHER, place are tick in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 one}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306  of these boxes to indicate which party\rquote s or candidate\rquote 
s preference you wish to adopt as your vote.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts15\trgaph108\trleft0\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth3\trwWidth9006\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb
\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4154\clshdrawnil \cellx4154\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4852\clshdrawnil \cellx9006
\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid7820123 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12086616\charrsid14959306 
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2544\shptop130\shpright2998\shpbottom490\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz2\shplid1035{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 589824}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1035}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6568119 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8194\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid6568119 
\par }}\dpx2544\dpy130\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2008\shptop143\shpright2462\shpbottom503\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz1\shplid1034{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 655360}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1034}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 *}{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8193\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 *}{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}\dpx2008\dpy143\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2569008\charrsid14959306 A}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12086616\charrsid14959306 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2564\shptop164\shpright3018\shpbottom524\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz4\shplid1037
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 720896}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1037}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6568119 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8196\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid6568119 
\par }}\dpx2564\dpy164\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2012\shptop164\shpright2466\shpbottom524\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz3\shplid1036{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 786432}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1036}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 +\tab }{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8195\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 +\tab }{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}\dpx2012\dpy164\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par B}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2569008\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12086616\charrsid14959306 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2580\shptop180\shpright3034\shpbottom540\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz6\shplid1039
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 851968}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1039}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain 
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\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8198\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid6568119 
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{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2012\shptop152\shpright2466\shpbottom512\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz5\shplid1038{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 917504}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1038}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\insrsid6568119 \'d7
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8197\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid6568119 \'d7
\par }}\dpx2012\dpy152\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par C
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12086616\charrsid14959306 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2584\shptop171\shpright3038\shpbottom531\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz8\shplid1041
{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 983040}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1041}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain 
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\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8200\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\insrsid6568119 
\par }}\dpx2584\dpy171\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}
{\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft2032\shptop156\shpright2486\shpbottom516\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz7\shplid1040{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}
{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 1048576}}{\sp{\sn hspNext}{\sv 1040}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 
\fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 0}{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8199\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6568119 \fs20\cf1\lang5129\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {
\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119 0}{\lang1033\langfe5129\langnp1033\insrsid6568119\charrsid14681564 
\par }}\dpx2032\dpy156\dpxsize454\dpysize360\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat1\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2497224\charrsid14959306 D}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 
\par \cell 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2244498\charrsid14959306 OR number the boxes from 1- in your order of preference. In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306  this case number 
\par Every box to make your vote count.
\par 
\par Do }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306  do both.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6568119\charrsid14959306 \cell }\pard 
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\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth3\trwWidth9006\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb
\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4154\clshdrawnil \cellx4154\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4852\clshdrawnil \cellx9006
\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 h}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e voter who is handed a Part II Ballot Paper can vote in one of two ways. Either he or she can vote below the line by writing 
in the squares to the right of the candidates names in the order of the voter's preferenc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306 e, the numbers l, 2; 3, 4 etc t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ill there are no more candidates to numb}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306 er. Alternatively, the voter can, place a tick in one of the boxes at the 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 top of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 the ballot pape
r (which has been referred to as "above the line") opposite the name of a registered party or independent candidate. This is the direction on how to vote in a Part II Ballot Paper contained in section 75(2). Apart from what is permitted by section 116(3) 
which I shall revert to later, the voter cannot do both}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12655704\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Parliament subsequently passed the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306  Electoral (Amendment) Act l99}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 9. It was assented to on 19}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16332285\charrsid14959306  March 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
999. It possessed only two sections and must have a fair claim to being pronounced t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  shortest Ac
t on Fiji's statute book. Primarily it amended}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
section 61 of the Electoral Act 1998 which had dealt with the listing of party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
preferences. The amending Act did away with the need for a registered political party to endorse a candidate for the const}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 ituency where the party wished to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  lodge with the Supervisor its list of candidates in its chosen order of preference.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 In the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 Object}
{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s and Reasons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  accompanying the Bill it was said (at 1.01) that the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 amendment would mean that the voters}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306 "can place a tick in a box \lquote }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 above the line' which will relate to a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1447564\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 political party. The tick will be counted as a vote for candidates in the order of preference previo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14056581\charrsid14959306 usly}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  lodged by that party."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par Anoth}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 er reason given was that (at 1.03)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 "The L}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 
egal}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Select Committee on Constitutional Consequential Legislation considers that this could inhibit the entering into agreements between parties before an election, and }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 might thus discourage the format}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 ion of multi-party}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 g}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 overnments.\'94}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid852166 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The radical nature of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 the change lay first, in the extension of the grant to political}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 parties of the right to play a role in the preferential contest for}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306  a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 seat in a const}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 ituency}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 to include even constituencies }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 where the parry had not}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 f}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 ielded a candidate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 Second, the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 amendment appeared to change the dem}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 
ocratic system of voting from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  a vote cast for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
candidate to a vote cast for a party. This amendment might have suited the party}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 mac}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 hines of Trade Union dominated}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  parties or of those parties }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 which were similarly well}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 orga}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 nised, but it diminished t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he concept of the voter voting for his personal choice o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
candidate. There could be some distaste too for the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306  parallels to be drawn with the voting }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 systems of totalitaria
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 n }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 regimes, where the voter had little independence from the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 overbearing party machine and whose vote might }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  HYPERLINK http://not.in }}{\fldrslt {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 not}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  those circumstances be described}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 as "free and fair". }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11078393\charrsid14959306 The Amendment Bill was apparently }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 passed without dissent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 The 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Respondent has}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 
 referred me to an extract from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Hansard covering the debate on the Bill in which the Hon. Mahendra Chaudhary (the Le}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 ader of the Fiji Labour Party)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 appeared not to speak against the Bill. To be fair to Mr. Chaudhary, he did however query whether such a provision was ethical. Later on in his speech at Hansard p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 4278 of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid852166\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  February 1999 he is recorded as saying}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12865545 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "We feel that perhaps it is not right, that if you have no candidate in}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
particular constituency, you have no business listing your symbol and your party name on the ballot paper for that constituency."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1905746 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 These no doubt are matt}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 ers which Parliament will weigh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  af}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 
ter being able to observe the w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 orkings of the amendment over a period of time.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1905746 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 It is said that there are no national constituencies in Fiji}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 ; where all of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 electorate can vot}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 
e for common}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  candidates. Voting is confined to certain defined constituencies. Not everyone can vote in a particular constituency. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 A vot}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 
r must be registered for a particular constituency,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  whose extent and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 boundaries ar}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e dete}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 rm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ined by the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1905746\charrsid14959306 Constituency }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Boundaries Commission pursuant to section 52 of the Constitution.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12133805 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In Fiji this amendment has been applied in 2 General Elections and produced little}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12133805\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Public dissent. The preferential system enacted by Parliament has already provided for the involvement and influence of the political parties. In that sense neither of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12133805\charrsid14959306  the two}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  main candidate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12133805\charrsid14959306 s in this constitue}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ncy can properly complain of it.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13333561 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12865545\charrsid14959306 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eed; other j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 
urisdiction: have applied a simi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 la}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 r electoral law. It is eff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ectively a method of indirect choice of candidates by the voters see }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Ditchburn v. Australian Electoral Officer 
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 [1999] HCA40}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ; 22}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  July 1999. Gibbs CJ in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
McKenzie v. Commonwealth }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 (1985) 59 ALJR 190}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  said of a similar provision in Australia}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13333561\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10059001 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "In my opinion, it cannot be said that any disadva}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9457246\charrsid14959306 ntage caused by the sections\'85 now}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in question to candidates who ar
e not members of parties or groups so offends democratic principles as to render the sections beyond the powe}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 r of the Parliament to enact."}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16517568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
This seems to be the position here in Fiji also. I can find no section of the Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306  that the amendment offends. Fij}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 , like almost every ot}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 her modern state}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 claiming to be a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 
 democracy, has neither the time}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  nor the resources to operate a classical}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 democracy alone the lines of ancient Greece.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16517568 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 It is for Par}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 
liament to decide. whilst keeping within the dem}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ocra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 tic spirit of the Constitution w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 hat form of electoral}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306  laws the State should have. The A}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 mendment Act does not affront the principles of a free and democratic society; nor does it conflict with the right to a secret ballot [section 36 Constituti}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 on] and that section's implied ri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ght for those qualified, to "vote in an election of a member o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 f the House of Representatives\rquote .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  In }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Attorney-General (Cth); ex rel. McKinlay v. The Commonwealth }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (1975) 13}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 5 CLR 1. Stephen J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  said at pp57-58:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16517568 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "Having entrusted to these elected legi
slatures rather than to this Court these wide powers of shaping as they see f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 t}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306  t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he details of this nation's electoral system it is not}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5781690  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 for this Court to intervene so long as what i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 
s enacted is}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  consistent with the existence of representative democracy as the chosen mode of. government and is within th}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 e power conferred by s.51(xxxvi)\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11672074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 The preferential system}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  or the alte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 rnative vote was already allow}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ed for in the Constitution [s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 ection 54]. The amendment simply}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  allowed the preference to operate without the pa
rty running a candidate for that constituency. In effect a voter is thus able}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306  to cast a vote for a party of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 is or her choice, and not be deprived of his chance to in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 flu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ence the final}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 outcome for that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 constituency. The amendment appears to grant an extra r
ight to the voter, rather than to derogate from the voter's right to vote. This could hardly be considered undemocratic. Nor does it seem likely that the floodgates will thereby be opened by par}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 ties}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  intending to clutter up the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 
 preferences without endorsing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  candidates. Only from amongst those p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16517568\charrsid14959306 
ersons nominated as candidates [section 47 Electoral Act] can. a member be return}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ed to sit in Parliament. Whilst there is no express provision for the inclusion on the Part II ballot paper of a symbol }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 for a registered political party which}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  is not indorsing a candidate, there seems no impediment to such an inclusion. By the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 amendment to section 61 the voter is not restricted to voting on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 ly}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  for a candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  do}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 not find the Supervisor to have acted in breach of the Act in including such parties on the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ballot papers.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 Acc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 din}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 ly this ground fail}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Failure to allow Satisfactory Verification of Postal Votes
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11672074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
The petition sets out the complaint under this head (Grounds 4B & 4C) and claims that 295 postal rotes out of a total of 416 postal votes were not verified in a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 satisfactory }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 manner It was said 2 postal boxes were not verified in the presence of the Petitioner o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 r }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 his agent. The petitioner or his agents were not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  informed of the adjournment dat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 es and times for verificat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 ion after the first such day 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  September 2001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  nor were they informed how many ballot papers were decla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 red invalid from the 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  and 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 rd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306  boxes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 It is the process of verification that provides the candidates and their agents with the occasion to learn this latter piece of information. The issue therefore turns on whethe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11672074\charrsid14959306 
r the Petitioner or his agents w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ere given an opportunity to be present at the verification.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16083842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
In giving evidence for the Petitioner, one of his election agents, Krishna Chetty said that he was not present for the verification }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 of postal ballots. He was howeve}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 r available at the counting most of the time. Counting took place over 4 days. Verification was on the Sunday, (2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  September 2001). He had objected at the inclusion of the postal}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10059001\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ballots at wh
ich he said "we were not present." He raised objection at the counting room at Natabua; where he was keeping a contemporaneous note of what was occurring. He said the Petitioner had been present at the verification of one of the boxes. He made complaint t
o who he thought was an Assistant Returni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 ng Officer who in turn told him}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 that verification had been done properly, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 \'93and that was it.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13981144 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16083842 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The witness accepted that there had been an advertisement in the Saturday papers}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 stating the verification times. The fir}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 st
 verification was done late at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  night on the Sund}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 ay. at which}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the Petitioner himself had been present. Earlier there had been a briefing at the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Nadi Sangam School just after polling, and this was how he got to know of the Verification. The advertisement in the Fiji Times issued by the Returning Officer for the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Western Division had announced that verification of pos}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 tal ballot papers would begin at 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 0am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 
 on Sunday 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
September 2001 at Natabua High School}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  The advertisements also stated}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16083842\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "Candidates who are co
ntesting constituencies under my jurisdiction are advised that they or their agents may attend the verification of postal ballots."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 There were in fact 24 constituencies within the Returning Officer's jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Mr. Chetty, said he could not attend on the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 Sunday, but that it had been agr}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eed that the Petitioner and 2 other agents would attend instead.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Mr. Chetty said he knew of the public address system for notifying the counting agen}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s. He said he was not presen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 
t for any verification, nor was he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 aware of any takin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 g}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  place on the Monday, nor did he hear any announcement that such was g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 oing to take place. He said he w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 as only 2 or 3 rooms away}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 Because the postal votes, if accepted; are mixed up with the other counted votes it was impossible to say in what ra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 tios they were}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  votes for e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 ither the Petitioner or the 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
Respondent. But I shall return to this point later when dealing with what Tevita Momoedonu had to say.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
He said there were 5 Agents for the Petitioner in all. They took breaks. Mr. Chetty was not there throughout.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Peti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 
tioner gave evidence. He said he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  signed the petition. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 He agreed he w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
present on the Sunday when one ballot box was opened for verification. He maintained he was not told of the occasions when ve}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 rification would be conducted on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the other postal boxes. He was not told verification would continue on t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 
he Monday. He had been present on the Sunday from 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 in the morning till 11 at night. He t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 oo was not present for all of the counting process. When he was not there his agents told him wh
at had happened. He later learnt that verification had been completed. He said there was no notice board announcing when verification would take place.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6970191 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 Tomasi Tui was called by the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306  and 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306  Respondents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  He said he had been involved in General Elections since 1972. He had been a polling clerk}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 , a polling offi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
cer, and in this particular election, an Assistant Returning Officer. He said that as well as the newspaper advertisement the Supe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 rvisor of Elections had sent out}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  a circular stating when and where ver
ification would take place. He said "we prepared the notice and sent it to the Supervisor". He pointed out that the notice stipulated that the verificati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 on. of postal ballot papers....
\'93will begin at 10am on Sunday 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  September 2001....". He said he did ch
eck from time to time the progress of verification for Nadi Open constituency}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2432096\charrsid14959306 . There were 6 teams working on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 
 verification. F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 or Nadi Open he said the process "started towards midnight (late on Sunday) and finished early Monday morning}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  He said "we c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 alled out again for 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  verification }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 
after verification for 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  box. I was present all along. The procedure was followed. All of the veri}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 fication was completed by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
3pm on Tuesday. For Nadi Open there were 7 postal boxes in all. Some had arrived late. After verification of 7 boxes, the postal votes were placed into 3 new boxes. He recollected that the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 Petitioner, was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  sometimes prevent, but not all the time. He said other notices consisted of an }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 advertisement}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 
s office at the counting centre,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  and public }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 announcements}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  over the lo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 ud}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
speaker. He had made the announcement himself in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 absence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  of another officer. The circular of the Supervisor of Elections (No. 21/2001) sent to all Registered Officers of all Participating Registered Political Parties clearly stated}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6970191 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "Returning Officers propose to deal with the verificati}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 on of postal ballots on Sunday 2}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  September as this is a. time }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6970191\charrsid14959306 consuming}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 process. This would enable the count proper to commence unimpeded on Monday morning. The 4 Returning Officers propos}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 e to deal with this as follows:-}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft1134\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl
\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2268\clshdrawnil \cellx3402\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2874\clshdrawnil \cellx6276\clvertalt\clbrdrt
\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2229\clshdrawnil \cellx8505\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid2432096 {
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 Division\cell Place\cell Time\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts15\trgaph108\trleft1134\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2268\clshdrawnil \cellx3402\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2874\clshdrawnil \cellx6276\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2229\clshdrawnil \cellx8505\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid2432096 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 Western\cell Natabua High School\cell 10.00am\'94\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
\ts15\trgaph108\trleft1134\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2268\clshdrawnil \cellx3402\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2874\clshdrawnil \cellx6276\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2229\clshdrawnil \cellx8505\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6906294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4724588\charrsid14959306 n page 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306  t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he Supervisor said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6906294 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
"The respective returning officers will produce unopened all envelopes containing postal ballot papers received and these envelopes will be opened in the presence of the candidates }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
or their counting agents if the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 y wish to be present. I would urge you to send counting agents to witness this important process. "
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1179917 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In his aff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 davit Tevita Momoedonu, Assistant }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 Returning Officer and Officer in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Char}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 ge }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 of the counting o}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 votes for Nadi Open Constituency gave detailed evidence of the 7 postal ballot boxes. He stated that the last verification for this seat took place at 9.07am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306  on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Tuesday 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  September 2001}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 . He agre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 es the Petitioner and his agents }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 
were not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  presen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 t on the Monday and the Tuesday}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 17 postal votes were declared invalid an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
d 415 valid. He said he detected no particular trend for, or against, any particular candidate from the postal votes cast.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 106(2) of the Electoral Act provides for verifica}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 tion of postal ballot papers wh}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ose}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8521463\charrsid14959306 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 
Envelopes must be opened in th}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e presence of the candid}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 ates or their counting agents (if}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  any) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 f they wish to be present."

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The counting agent as well as the candidate ma}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  be present [section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 106(3)].
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14894081 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 It is not clear here why the petitioner or his agents w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ere not aware of the further verification }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1179917\charrsid14959306 process still to be completed on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the Monday and the Tuesday. Perhaps they did not realise that there was more to it than the late night verificatio}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14894081\charrsid14959306 n which occurred on the Sunday.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  However I find there is no }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14894081\charrsid14959306 compelling}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  evidence before }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14894081\charrsid14959306 
me to counter that of Tomasi Tu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 i and Tevita Momoedonu that announcements were made over the public address system that further verifications were to take place for this}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14894081\charrsid14959306  constituency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Whether it was
 realised that such announcements referred to this constituency is another matter. I Find that the Petitioner and his agents were afford}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14894081\charrsid14959306 ed an opportunity to be present,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  and that the accountable procedure of verification did take place in the presence of the other candidates and their agents.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14959306 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 This ground must fail also.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Wrongly denied a Recount
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 This is Ground 4F}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 . It is said tha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 t the difference between the .3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Respondent's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 votes and the Petitioner's was Only 0.561% of the tota}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 l of 14,606 valid votes counted.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  It}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
is said the Returning Officer erred in not allowing a recount. This}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306  ground can be answered shortly. Section 113 (6) of the E}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 lectoral Act provides:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15086435 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "(6) If, on the final count, 2 or mo}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 re candidates have an equal num}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ber of votes,}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 any of the candidat}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 e
s, or his or her counting agents, m}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ay require the returning o}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15086435\charrsid14959306 fficer to have the votes recoun}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ted."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5268313 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Clearly no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 
 such situation arose here. the Petitio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ner relies on the guidance given in the booklet marked "for official use only" and entitled "In}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 structions for count officials\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  It is further headed House of Representatives General Election 2001. It state}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (at p 14)
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qj \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "12. RECOUNT
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid5268313 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Returnin}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 g }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Officer must also look at the difference between the number of votes secured by the t}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 w}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 o candidates. If the di}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 fference 
is considered marginal in l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ight of the total number of valid ballot papers, the Returnin}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5268313\charrsid14959306 g}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Officer must consider recoun}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 ting the ballot papers before m}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 akin}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 g}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  a declaration.
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 If the difference between the number of votes secured by the two candidates is equivalent to}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .5% of the total number of valid votes or less, the votes should be recounted automatically.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 f the difference is higher than .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
5% the Returning Officer must exercise his discretion.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par The}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Returning Officer must carefully exercise his discretion when considering whether or not to r}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 
ecount the ballot papers }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 BEFORE}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  making a declaration."
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11238238\charrsid14959306 Whether or not a Returni}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ng Officer felt the need to recount the votes to be sure of accuracy of counting is one thing. That would b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 
e a matter for him to decide. But t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he Act only places a requirement for a recount where there is an equal number of votes.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 The Supervisor\rquote s guidance to Returning Officers may be no mare than a sound }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
practice. It does not confer a legal right to a recount. On the majority difference }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  HYPERLINK http://here.it }}{\fldrslt {
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 here,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  it}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 remains a matter of discretion for the Returning Officer.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 This ground fails.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Ticks below the }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 line besides Candidates names wrong}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ly ruled invalid
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 This is the contention in the petition which for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 ms Ground 4D. All 7 candidates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 llected some votes of this type.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 They were ticks, instead of numbers, on the ballot paper marked below the line in the square or bo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 x to the right of the party sym}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 bol on the same line as the candidate's name. This concerned Part II Ballot Papers.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 A voter who participat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8725877\charrsid14959306 es in an election where a list of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  pr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
ferences have not been lodged with the Supervisor and is accordingly handed a Part I Ballot paper is given no choice in the manner of marking his vote.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306  Section 79(1) makes it mandatory
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  for him or her to vote in accordance with section 75(1)(a) }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  (b).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par A voter ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nded a Pa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 rt }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 II Bal}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 lot paper as was the case for th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
e Nadi Open Constituency, on the other hand, has a choice. He or she can either mark his or h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 er vote}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 in se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 ction 75(1) that is numbering in the
 square opposite the name of the candidate,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  his order of preference from 1 to 7, }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  he or she can place a tick in a box at the top of the ballot paper (that is, above the line) opposite the name of the registered political party, or if the candidate is an 
independent candidate, in the box opposite}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306  his}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 name. Part II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Ballot papers contain therefore a choic}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 e. The choice must be exercised, and the voter cannot do both}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
. Section 116(3) provides some exceptions, which I shall return to.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6514623\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 Leaving aside for a moment t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 he 8 upside down }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 ticks and the 62 disputed ticks,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  those which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 
 the panties agreed were ticks }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 below the line}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306  amounted to 1,278 in all. Section 75 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 therefore sets out how the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306  voter under the alternative vote sy}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
m should mark his or her ballot paper. Elections down the ages no matter how simple the procedure have always had a small percentage of votes }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 in which for various reasons th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e ballot papers have to be declared invalid.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 In the 1971 Electoral Act Cap }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 4 a voter was to vote in the following manner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16476394 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9527559\charrsid14959306 34.
 A voter shall record his vote by making the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16476394\charrsid14959306  sign of a tick (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10374766\charrsid14959306 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 214 \\f "Symbol"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10374766\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ) in the space provided in the ballot pap}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16476394\charrsid14959306 er alongside the name and sym}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 bol of the candidate for whom he wishes to vote."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In that Act ballot papers were to be declared void in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10826117\charrsid14959306 following }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 circ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10826117\charrsid14959306 umstances:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 "55}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
-(1) Any ballot paper:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (a) which has not on the back the initials of the presiding officer or the}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 official mark; or
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (b) on which votes are given to more candidates than the voter is entitled}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 to vote for; or
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (c) on which anything is written or marked by }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7888283\charrsid14959306 w}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 hich}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7888283\charrsid14959306  the voter can}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  be}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 identifi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ed; or
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (d) whi}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 ch is unmarked or void for uncertainty}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 shall be void and shall not be counted.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 2}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ) Notwithstanding anything contained in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 regulation}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  34,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 if a returning}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 officer}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 is satisfied that the intention of}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7888283\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a voter is clear beyond all}{
\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7888283\charrsid14959306 reasonable doubt, h}{\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
e may at his discretion accept and count as valid }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7888283\charrsid14959306 the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ballot paper }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 of such}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 voter, and the decision of the returning officer shall}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306 be final.\'94}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (emphasis added)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306 The 1998 Electoral Act did not contain an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  equivalent }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 provision}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306  to section 55(2) whereby}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 the returning officer could ac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306 cept a ballot paper if he was \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 sat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306 isfied that the intention of a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 voter is clear beyond all reasonable doubt." The Returning }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306 Officer h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ad a discretion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4329309\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 expressly granted in the 1971 Act.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 116 of the 1998 Act commences with a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 mandat}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 y command for the Returning}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1792354\charrsid14959306  Officer to adhere to section 75}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 116(1) provides}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1792354\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "A ballot paper -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1792354\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 (a) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
that does not have on its back the initials of the}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1792354\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 presiding officer or clerk or the official 
mark referred to (in) section 73(1)(c);
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (b) on which anything is written or marked by which, in the opinion of the returning officer, the voter can be identified;
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (c) that has no vote indicated on it; or
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11488113\charrsid14959306 
\par (d)}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  that does not indicate the votes (sic) first preference for one candidate and the order of his or her preference for all the other candidates in accordance with section 75,

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 is, subject to this section, invalid and any votes marked on it}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11488113\charrsid14959306  must not be counted.\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11488113\charrsid14959306 Section 116 is the code for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  approaching deviations from the correct method of marking}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 the ballot paper.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 116(3)(e) s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
if the voter has not placed numbers as aforesaid and has placed a tick opposite the name of more than one registered political party or independent candidate, the ballot paper is invalid and any votes marked on it must not be counted."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 This provision is simple to understand. Clearly a tick a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 gainst the name of more than one }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 registered political party or independent candidate is a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 failure to choose or to indicate an }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 order of preference and therefore the ballot paper must be discounted as invalid.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 116(3)(d) reads}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
"if the voter has not placed numbers opposite the names of individual candidates, but has placed a tick as described in paragraph (b)(ii), the prov}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 isions of that paragraph apply.\'94
}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4551310 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
This section envisages a voter failing to mark his or her order of preference below the line. This is not fatal however. The question in this part of the Petitioner's challenge }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  HYPERLINK http://is.in }}{\fldrslt {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 is}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  in}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  what circumstances doe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 
s the incorrectly marked Part II}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  type ballot paper still remain a valid vote, which the Returning Officer can accept and count.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14619901\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Section 116(3)(b)(ii) to which section 116(3)(d) has referred back for the reader}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 to gain further directions reads}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "(b) if the voter has placed numbers as aforesaid and -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 (i) --------------------
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
(ii) there is a tick opposite the name of one, and only one, registered political party or independent candidate which or who has lodged a li}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 st of candidates under section 6}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5781690 1.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
The order of preference shown on that list in respect of individual candidates is to be treated as the voter's order of preference in respect of those candidates:}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5781690 "}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 It has to be said at this point that now we enter the Hampton Court maze; or worse, the world of Alice in Wonderland. Paragraph (b) refers to "if the voter }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 has placed numbers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  as aforesaid" whereas paragraph (d) says "if the voter has }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  placed numbers."
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Paragraph (b) does not dovetail in with (d). Quite apart from the disgrace}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4551310\charrsid14959306 fu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 l lack of simplicity in the drafting of section 116, a code of d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 irections which should have been }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 easy to read for layman and lawyer alike, it is in no readily comprehensible form either for a Returning Officer to follow in carrying out his important on the spot statutory f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 u}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nctions. One must ignore the first line of (b) completely. But (ii) is}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 clear in permitting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 a tick against the name of one, and only one registered political party or independent candidate. That is enough to activate the preference and to ensure the vote remains still a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 valid vote. Apart}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 
 from the lazy form of drafting, relying on referral back,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  paragraph (d) would have no effect at all if this construction were not adopted here. Paragraph}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  (e) in going on to say that two}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  ticks would not be valid, limits the extent of the indulgence to be granted.

\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 I have ap}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 proached this interpretation on the basis of the Act being a code, and I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 interpret section}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 116 to be mandatory rather than directory. I have arrived at a decision}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 that the ballot papers marked with a single tick below the line should not have been}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 discounted as invalid, by l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 ooking solely at the mandatory i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nstructions of the Electoral}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306  Act 1998.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6571392\charrsid14959306 
\par However on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e should not assume that the right to have a vote counted when the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 clear in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 ten}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 tion can be seen, is 
something what even P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 arliament}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 can }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 take away. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 Rakha }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
(supra) Rooney J. pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 rti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nently said at p9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 
-}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11147698 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
"Where votes are disputed because the voter has failed to observe instructions as to the manner of voting, the paramount consideration is the inte}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 ntion of the voter. (See Rufle v}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Rodgers (1982) 3}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  W.L.R. 143 and in particular th}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 e remarks}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 of Lord Denning, M}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
R., at 146 where he recited with approval the underm}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 entioned passage from Schofield\rquote }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
s Local Government Elections}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 (7}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 th}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306  Edition) at 369):}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "1n all cases which h
ave been before the courts in recent years the judges have all indicated that the voters franchise should not lightly be lost by declaring a vote to be bad if there is a clear intention shown as to wh}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 at the voter intended to do.\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 Section 1}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  of the Constitution declares that Fiji shall be a sovereign democratic}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 state. Sections 40 and 41 confer the right to vote on every citizen, subject to}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 narrow limitations. N}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 o person should be deprived of that right, if he chooses to}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 vote and does so in a manner which, if not formally correct, evinces his clear}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11147698\charrsid14959306 intention in that regard.\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Rooney J. at p14 posed the question:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5781690 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
"On the other hand, if through ignorance or confusion, a voter placed his mark below, rather than to the right of, the sugar cane symbo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 l, is he to be disenfranchised?\'94}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par In spite of observation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  to the contrary in Australia see }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 McBride v. Graham }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (unrepo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 rte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 d) Supreme Court of New So}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 uth Wales No. 14251 of 1991; 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 December 1991, in Fiji our Court of Appeal has already countenanced a t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 o tier approach to the interpretati}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 on of electoral statutes.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306  In. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 M}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 aan Singh v. To}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 w}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n Clerk of Suva & Anor. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 (u}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 nr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eported)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Fiji Court of Appea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 l Civil App. No. 23 of 1984; 27}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306  July 1984}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  S}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 eight VP deliver}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 ing}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306 the judge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ment of the Court said at p7}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306 :}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7825555 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "We accept the submission made b
y Mr. Toomey for the appellant, that electoral laws usually have two separate classes of provisions. There are clearly mandatory requirements contained in electoral statutes, providing for such essentials as secrecy of ballot; and what have bee}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14233326\charrsid14959306 n held by courts as directory}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  provisions (usually contained in regulations) as }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14233326\charrsid14959306 to the mode of recording a vote. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  Such an example is }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Woodward v. Sorsons }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
L.R. 10 C.P. 733 which we have found to be a persuasive early enunciation of the principle that the purpose of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7825555\charrsid14959306  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 an election is to ascertain if possible the will of the electors.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In that case it was held that the}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14233326\charrsid14959306  mandatory enactment must be fulfill}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ed exactly but it is }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 sufficient}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  if directory enactments are fulfilled substantially."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 Greidling}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 er v. Davis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306  98}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 87 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 Fed. 2d 1344 (4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306  Cir 1993) Ham}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14959306 il}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ton J. said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3571413\charrsid14959306 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
"It is axiomatic that no right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the ele}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12334443\charrsid14959306 ction of those who make the law}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 s under which, as good }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12334443\charrsid14959306 citizens, we must live. Other rights,}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined"}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12334443\charrsid14959306 .}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Re}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10310074\charrsid14959306 y}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 nolds v. Sims }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12334443\charrsid14959306 377 US 554 at 1378 Warren CJ said:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 "The right to vote freely, for the candidate of on}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12334443\charrsid14959306 e's choice is of the essence of a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  democratic society and any restriction on that right strikes at th
e heart of the representative government and the right of suffrage can be denied by a debasement or dilution of the weight of a citiz}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 en's vote just as effectively as}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  by wholly prohibiting the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 free exercise of the franchise\'94}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The CJ referred to }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Wesberry v. Sanders}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 376 US}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306  l.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  84 SCT 526 where the court had said:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid5781690 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 "N}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
o right is more p}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 recious in a free country than t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 hat of having a }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid5781690 v}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 oice in the selection of those who make the laws under which, }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 as good citizens we must live.\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Though it is not in issue }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 in this case,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 I doubt whether the omission of the words of section 55(2) from the 1998 Electoral Act wi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306 ll abolish the need always to be}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  most}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13268433\charrsid14959306  cautious before }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
disenfranchising the citizen.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 I shall adjourn for a few minutes to allow the Returning Officer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306  to report to me the amended resu}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 lts after takin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7693560\charrsid14959306 g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  into account}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306  the preferences for the 1,278 v}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 otes for the below the line ticks, now to be included in the count.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10374766\charrsid14959306 Anthony Gates
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
\par At Lautoka
\par 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306  February 2002.
\par 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trrh-605\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil \cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 Solicitors for the Petitioner\cell -\cell }\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 Mishra & Co.\cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts11\trrh-605\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil \cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\row }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trrh-638\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc
\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil 
\cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 Solicitors for the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 st }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 & 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
\par Respondents\cell -\cell }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
A-G's Office\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts11\trrh-638\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil \cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\row }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trrh-431\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 
\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil \cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 Solicitors for the 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306  Respondent\cell -\cell }\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\pvpara\phmrg\posnegy-72\dxfrtext180\dfrmtxtx180\dfrmtxty0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14956522 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 Krishna & Co.\cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
\ts11\trrh-431\trleft0\tpvpara\tphmrg\tposnegy-72\tdfrmtxtLeft180\tdfrmtxtRight180\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4136\clshdrawnil \cellx4136\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth20\clshdrawnil \cellx4156\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2758\clshdrawnil \cellx6914\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14956522\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 Adden}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 d}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 u}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 m to Judgment
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 The Returning Office}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 r has now reported back to me with the amended count of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  the votes. They are - .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts15\trgaph108\trleft2552\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl
\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2128\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1983\clshdrawnil \cellx6663\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 Prem Singh\cell 7888 votes\cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts15\trgaph108\trleft2552\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2128\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1983\clshdrawnil \cellx6663\row }\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 Krishna Prasad\cell 7986 votes\cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
\ts15\trgaph108\trleft2552\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl 
\clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2128\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1983\clshdrawnil \cellx6663\row }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2432096 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 
\par I am satisfied that the Pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 ti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 
oner succeeds on Ground 4D of his petition that the ballot}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  papers were incorrectly ruled invalid and therefore not counted. I }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 dismiss}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 
all other grounds of the petition. The ticks below the line should have }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 been accepted}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 
 and counted as a valid vote, and I am satisfied that the failure to count those particular}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 votes did }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 affect the result of the election. Accordingly I declare the 3rd Respondent not to be}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306  the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 elec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 ted member for the seat of Nadi Open,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 and instead I declare th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12011126\charrsid14959306 e Petitioner to be the duly electe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 d member in his place.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 I attri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 bute no fault to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 
authorities for the in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 pretation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 
 that they arrived }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 at with this infelicitously drafted section. Ho}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 wever with the dashed hopes of the loser and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 costs incurred i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 n responding to the petition, and the costs of bringing this petition for the Petitioner,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306  I feel some costs sho}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 uld be borne by the State. An immense amount of work has bee}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 n done by lawyers on all sides as is obvious}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  from the papers. Pursu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 ant to section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 56 of the A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 ct I award costs against the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  and 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 Respondents in their official}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 
 capacities, summarily assessed of $1,500 for the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  Respondent and $2,500 for the Petitioner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7759688\charrsid14959306 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9590645\charrsid14959306 
\par I order the Registry to return to the Petitioner his security for costs of $500.
\par 
\par I order copies of this Judgement to be forwarded by the Deputy Registrar to the Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General, and to the Supervisor of Elections.
\par 
\par Orders accordingly.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10310074 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 Anthony Gates
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6056895 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 At Lautoka
\par 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6056895\charrsid14959306  February 2002.
\par }}