Preparations are in progress for the return of democratically elected municipal councils in Fiji, with Local Government Minister Macia Nalusima announcing that voter registration is set to commence in April. However, no specific election date has been disclosed yet.
During his address at a CEO Forum in Suva, Minister Nalusima highlighted that the Fijian Elections Office will begin voter education initiatives from mid-March, with registration processes to follow. This marks a significant step towards reinstating local governance after a 21-year hiatus.
“This is a critical year,” Nalusima stated, emphasizing the importance of these Local Government Elections as a means to restore democratic governance at the local level. He urged municipal councils to actively support the election preparation process by offering logistical assistance, sharing essential information, and engaging with their communities while coordinating efforts with divisional commissioners and district officers.
Additionally, the minister pointed out that the performance of council chief executive officers would be subject to closer scrutiny, with an expectation for improved responsiveness to residents, stricter enforcement of waste management and development controls, ethical procurement practices, and timely reporting.
Despite the outlined preparations, the absence of a confirmed election date leaves the timeline for the return of elected councils uncertain, continuing a gap that has persisted for over two decades. This forthcoming initiative, however, holds promise for revitalizing local governance and fostering stronger community engagement in Fiji.
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