During a recent public consultation hosted by the Fiji Law Reform Commission in Navua, Paul Morrel, the general secretary of the proposed Kingdom Future Party, advocated for making voting compulsory by law. He argued that such a mandate, alongside early civic education, could significantly enhance political engagement among the youth in Fiji.
Morrel emphasized the critical link between electoral participation and national development, stating, “Voting should be compulsory,” and called for the integration of voting education into secondary school curricula. He suggested incorporating lessons on democracy and civic responsibility into existing subjects like social sciences and moral education, rather than introducing it as a stand-alone course. He believes that engaging students at the ages of 16 to 18 would ignite their passion for political involvement.
In a spirit of practical education, Morrel proposed simulating national electoral systems within school prefect elections. This approach aims to provide students with hands-on experience to better understand the democratic process and become informed future voters. He noted that previous attempts to incorporate civic education in schools had not been fully realized, suggesting it was critical for young people to emerge from school not just with academic qualifications but also as passionate, active participants in democracy.
The importance of engaging the youth in Fiji’s electoral framework is echoed in similar sentiments from Daniel Fatiaki, chairman of the Electoral Law Reform Commission. He has consistently highlighted the need for young citizens to feel empowered and included in the political process, as about two-thirds of Fiji’s population is under 30. Efforts to increase civic participation and representation, including addressing the underrepresentation of women in politics, are ongoing themes among current discussions on electoral reform.
Overall, Morrel’s proposal for compulsory voting, coupled with enhanced civic education initiatives, is not just a call for legislative change but an invitation for broader societal engagement that can inspire young citizens to take an active role in shaping their nation’s governance. This collaborative approach, acknowledging the importance of youth perspectives, signals a hopeful future for Fiji’s democracy, potentially leading to a more inclusive political environment where every citizen’s voice counts.
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