The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is advocating for the elimination of the two-year residency requirement that currently hinders certain iTaukei individuals from running in general elections. Chair of the GCC, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, has articulated his concerns regarding the unfairness of the existing law, which affects those listed in the Vola ni Kawa Bula who have lived abroad for work or educational pursuits.
Ratu Viliame argues that there is no valid reason to disqualify individuals from contesting merely due to time spent overseas, and he draws attention to the necessity of fair representation. According to current electoral laws, any candidate must have resided in Fiji for at least two years before being eligible to run. This requirement, established under a previous administration, creates obstacles for eligible members of the Vola ni Kawa Bula who aspire to engage in national leadership.
With the upcoming general election fast approaching and discussions regarding constitutional reform in progress, Ratu Viliame indicated that the council intends to submit a formal resolution aimed at rescinding the residency rule. The GCC emphasizes that this initiative is grounded in principles of fairness and inclusion, ensuring that indigenous Fijians can fully exercise their democratic rights and contribute to the governance of the country.
The call to amend this law could pave the way for a more inclusive political environment, enabling a broader participation of iTaukei individuals in the nation’s leadership and fostering a stronger sense of representation.
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