The Electoral Law Reform Commission in Fiji is standing firm in its belief that the upcoming general election will occur under the current electoral system, despite having conducted extensive public consultations aimed at reform. Commission chairman Daniel Fatiaki, who previously served as a High Court judge, expressed his disappointment with the Government for not presenting the commission’s report to Parliament, three months post-collection of public feedback. The report was delivered to Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga on July 9 of this year.
Fatiaki articulated the necessity for transparency, stating, “We’re disappointed that three full months after receiving our report, the Government has not seen fit to table it in Parliament or release it for public information and discussion.” He explained that criticisms of the existing electoral framework were prevalent during the consultations, including widespread dissatisfaction regarding the presentation of the ballot papers, which resemble a complex Sudoku puzzle, devoid of candidates’ names, images, or party symbols.
Additionally, public sentiment has called attention to a high 5 percent electoral threshold that some citizens felt created unjust disparities; candidates receiving only a handful of votes could secure parliamentary positions while others with significant voter support may be excluded. Concerns were also raised about underrepresentation of women in politics and inadequate representation of smaller maritime zones that face unique challenges.
Fatiaki highlighted that the report addresses a wide range of issues echoing public voices, including calls for the removal of the 2013 Constitution, stating, “Our report addressed each of these including an electoral system that did not require an amendment of the 2013 Constitution.” Despite the inaction from the Government, he remains hopeful that the report will be publicly available because it reflects the voices and concerns of the citizens regarding the current electoral system.
With approximately 14 months until the next general election mandated by the 2013 Constitution, there remains a belief that this timeframe is sufficient to implement the recommended electoral reforms, which do not necessitate a new voter registration process. The continued dialogue and efforts surrounding electoral law reform embody a crucial step towards enhancing civic engagement and building a more inclusive democracy in Fiji. There is a growing sense of optimism that upcoming reforms could pave the way for a political landscape that truly represents the diverse needs and voices of all Fijians.
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