Electoral Review Team member, Professor Wadan Narsey, has voiced significant concerns regarding the government’s delay in presenting the Fiji Electoral Law Reform Report to Parliament. He questions the absence of public discourse on the report while legal proceedings are ongoing. In his column for the Fiji Times, Prof. Narsey highlighted the need for transparency and dialogue regarding proposed electoral changes, emphasizing that the report should be tabled in Parliament or released to the public for discussion and improvement.
The review committee has advocated for the introduction of a Proportional Open List Constituency System (POLCS), which would divide Fiji into 25 constituencies, including five maritime seats. However, Prof. Narsey suggested that this number could be trimmed to 20 constituencies. His concerns extend to potential internal resistance within the Fiji Elections Office (FEO), speculating whether some senior staff oppose this reform, fearing increased workloads compared to the existing electoral system used in the last three elections.
Prof. Narsey insists that the Fiji Electoral Commission is the authoritative body with the responsibility to initiate necessary staffing changes to accommodate the implementation of this proposed system. He indicated that new staff could be appointed if current officials resist the proposed changes aimed at enhancing democracy.
Moreover, he hinted at the possibility of self-interest influencing the government’s delay, suggesting that current parties might prefer maintaining the status quo to optimize their positions ahead of elections. He warned that such motivations could undermine democratic principles in Fiji, expressing concerns that if selfish political interests drive the reluctance to table the Electoral Reform Report, it could be detrimental to Fiji’s democracy.
This situation resonates with the sentiments expressed by Daniel Fatiaki, chairman of the Electoral Law Reform Commission, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public consultation in electoral reforms. The Commission’s previous efforts to gather public feedback highlighted significant dissatisfaction with the current electoral framework, including issues related to ballot presentation, electoral thresholds, and underrepresentation of various demographics, particularly women.
Addressing these concerns, continuous discussions around electoral reform reflect a committed initiative towards enhancing civic engagement and promoting a more equitable political landscape in Fiji. The path towards these reforms signifies hope for fostering a democracy that truly reflects the diverse voices of all citizens, enriching the political discourse in the country. The growing momentum for reform demonstrates a collective aspiration to strengthen Fiji’s democratic institutions and processes, ensuring that every Fijian’s voice is heard and represented in governance.
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