Radrodro provided a sworn declaration to the FEO that her residential address is in Tacirua – FICAC witness

A FICAC witness has told the Suva High Court that SODELPA MP, Salote Radrodro has declared to the Fijian Elections Office her residential address as Tacirua Heights in Suva and owns another property in Namulomulo, Bua.

Radrodro is charged with one count each of False Information to a Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.

Radrodro is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Namulomulo Village, Nabouwalu, Bua and allegedly obtained $37,920.13 in parliamentary allowances between August 2019 and April 2020.

FEO’s Political Engagement Officer, Mesake Dawai says political party candidates are required to provide details of their assets, liabilities, residential address and other details to the Fijian Elections Office through a sworn declaration.

He says however, under the law the FEO does not actually do the verification process but check if the candidates comply with the law while submitting the details.

While responding to Radrodro’s lawyer, Simione Valenitabua’s question on what happens if candidates give a false declaration, Dawai says declarations are made public and members of the public can raise objections.

When questioned if FICAC or the Parliament raised any concerns, Dawai confirms they did not raise any objection.

During re-examination, Dawai told the court the FEO does not have any authority to verify the details and the law only requires the candidates to submit the details and FEO to publish it. He adds FICAC has the power to investigate it, not the FEO.

FICAC witnesses from the i-Taukei Land Trust Board and the Registrar of Titles Office have told the court that Radrodro is the 50% lease holder of a property in Tacirua Heights with Kitione Radrodro.

The trial continues on Friday.