Chandra Accused of Bullying and Attacks on Family Members

FIJI NEWS

Lusia Pio

5/5/20252 min read

Self-proclaimed women’s empowerment advocate and Doctor of Philosophy, Elaine Chandra, is facing mounting backlash after being accused of allegedly bullying fellow political aspirants, targeting women, and dragging family members into arguments—despite her public persona as a champion of justice and gender equality.

One aspiring politician is now fighting back.

In an explosive statement, Ratu Sailosi Sirisirivalu, who hails from Naitasiri, has blasted Chandra for her alleged bullying tactics.

“Enough is enough,” said Ratu Sirisirivalu.

“Elaine Chandra calls herself a Doctor, a champion of women’s empowerment, and the CEO of Justice Pacific — yet her actions tell a very different story," Siririvalu alleges.

He claimed that Chandra has used her platform to attack women and fellow political aspirants through live videos and online posts. He claimed that while she promotes herself as a voice for justice, she engages in behaviour that is “the very opposite of the values she claims to represent.”

“For weeks, I have remained silent. But yesterday morning, Elaine crossed a line — launching a vile, personal attack on my wife and children,” he said. “This wasn’t political commentary. It was an unprovoked and disgraceful attempt to drag my family into her personal feuds," Siririvalu alleges.

Sirisirivalu alleged that Chandra had recently pressured him to “pick a side” in her ongoing online disputes. When he refused and reaffirmed his stance for respectful and constructive politics, he said Chandra escalated her attacks.

“I told her clearly that I stand for unity, for dialogue, and for respect, not petty vendettas. Her response was to message me and insult my wife and two daughters.”

The aspiring candidate also alleged that others had been subjected to similar treatment, including fellow political hopefuls Ridhi Damodar and Zarina Begg.

“She has done this to others too — laughing and mocking on live video while hurling false accusations. That kind of behaviour has no place in our politics,” he said.

Sirisirivalu criticised Chandra for what he called “toxic behaviour disguised as activism,” stating that bullying should not be tolerated under the guise of empowerment.

“She may be used to getting away with this kind of conduct, but those days are over. I will not tolerate it, and neither should anyone else,” he said.

“Our politics must be grounded in respect and integrity. If we are to build a stronger Fiji, we must reject fear-mongering, intimidation, and ego-driven vendettas.”

One social media user commented," Ratu Sailosi, you are very true, agree, and some other women too," insinuating that more women have been subjected to this behaviour.

Duavata News is in possession of screenshots where Chandra insults Ratu Sirisirivalu by referencing his wife and children, including his newborn daughter

In response to our questions, Chandra alleged that the Duavata team was harassing her and posted screenshots of messages to her, including little snippets of conversations that were initiated by her.

Duavata News will continue to ask tough questions of anyone who aspires to hold public office — no one is above scrutiny. Anyone who asks us to vote for them must answer tough questions.

We have also sent questions to those she has allegedly bullied, according to Ratu Sirisirivalu