A former political party general secretary has advocated for a national constituency electoral system during recent consultations held in Nadi. Choosing to remain anonymous, the former official reflected on the divisive nature of the existing electoral structure.
He mentioned his experiences from representing a party in the 1992 elections, pinpointing significant discrepancies across electoral systems. He urged the current committee to analyze and propose a system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the populace. “The new electoral system should unify citizens, allowing them to vote for leaders based on merit rather than communal or parochial goals that historically led to division,” he asserted.
He emphasized the need for a national approach, stating, “In Fiji’s society, everything and everybody is already demarcated,” referring to the distinct identities among the iTaukei and other communities. He proposed that an effective national constituency could transcend these divisions, fostering unity and collaboration among voters across the country.
This call for reform resonates with ongoing discussions highlighted by constitutional law experts and former judicial figures. Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has previously criticized the current electoral framework for its lack of local representation, arguing that the prevailing system allows parliamentary representatives to be chosen based on national rather than local voting patterns. This has resulted in the concerning trend of politicians winning office with alarmingly few votes, thus questioning their legitimacy as representatives of the public.
Similarly, former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki and others have pointed out that a meaningful connection between voters and their representatives is critical for a functioning democracy. Many voices in the community echo the sentiment that returning to individual constituency-based representation could enhance accountability and strengthen democratic practices, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in parliament.
The collective reflections and calls for a national constituency system present a hopeful pathway toward electoral reform in Fiji. By addressing current shortcomings, there is an opportunity to foster a more inclusive and representative governing structure that encourages broader civic engagement and ensures that the interests of all communities are adequately represented.
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