The Eke Government has firmly rejected a proposal to raise the spending cap for election campaigns, choosing to maintain the current limit of TOP$20,000 per candidate.
The decision was announced this morning by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi.
He revealed that the proposal, which originated from the Electoral Commission to increase the limit to $50,000, had proven to be divisive among the public.
“The proposal from the Election Commission divided the public,” Fusimalohi stated, “and the government decided to cancel it and stay with the current law.”
In conjunction with this announcement, the government confirmed key dates for the upcoming general election.
The nomination period for electoral candidates will be held on October 10 and 11.
The nation is then expected to go to the polls on November 20 to elect 17 People’s Representatives to the Legislative Assembly.
The electoral process is now formally underway.
Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki confirmed to RNZ Pacific that the Office of the Electoral Commission is awaiting the official writ of election from His Majesty King Tupou VI.
They expect to receive the crucial writ from the Palace Office on Thursday, September 11. This document will officially trigger the commencement of the election period.
