The Electoral (Local Government Elections) Regulations 2025 have been enacted to enforce stringent regulations on campaign financing, media utilization, and disclosure, thereby enhancing accountability among candidates and political parties in local elections.
According to the new regulations, any paid political advertisement in print or broadcast media is required to prominently display that it is a paid political advertisement and specify the individual or entity that authorized and funded it. Additionally, these advertisements must adhere to existing prohibitions against hate speech, racial or religious vilification, and incitement to violence.
The regulations confer significant powers to the Electoral Commission, allowing them to draft binding guidelines governing various election campaign activities, including debates, public forums, interviews, training programs, and related publications. Prior to finalizing these guidelines, the commission is mandated to consult with the Supervisor of Elections.
One of the key aspects of the regulations is the emphasis on regulating foreign involvement in local elections. The guidelines set forth will clarify the permissible participation and activities of foreign individuals, organizations, or entities that are involved in campaign-related initiatives, especially if they receive foreign funding. Organizers of such activities must comply with the established commission guidelines, and the Supervisor of Elections is empowered to demand the correction or removal of any content that violates these regulations. Any appeals regarding the Supervisor’s decisions will be heard by the Electoral Commission, whose rulings will be definitive.
On the financial side of campaigning, candidates are required to keep meticulous records of their election income and expenditures. This includes documenting the sources of their funds, detailing donations and indirect contributions, as well as cataloging all campaign-related transactions. Tampering with or destroying these records constitutes a criminal offense.
Furthermore, campaign funds are strictly limited to lawful sources, excluding any contributions from foreign governments and international organizations. Within 60 days following the elections, every candidate, regardless of whether they were successful, must submit a statutory declaration outlining their campaign income, donations, and expenditures. This information is then made publicly available on the Fijian Elections Office website.
The new electoral regulations represent a positive stride toward enhancing transparency and integrity in the electoral process, ultimately aiming to encourage fair competition and maintain public confidence in local government elections.
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