Fiji’s Electoral (Local Government Elections) Regulations 2025 has introduced a comprehensive framework that governs the conduct of municipal elections, establishing a legally binding process from the initial issuance of writs to the final declaration of election results.
Under these new regulations, the responsibility for issuing a writ for each local government election falls upon the Electoral Commission. This writ serves as the formal signal for commencing the election process, requiring delivery to the Supervisor of Elections and copies to the relevant minister and the minister in charge of local government.
The commission plays a pivotal role in determining the polling day. It is mandated to consult with the Supervisor of Elections, municipal councils, and the Minister of Local Government to agree on feasible timeframes prior to issuing any writ. Following receipt, the Supervisor of Elections must publish the writ within seven days on the Fijian Elections Office website, display it prominently within the municipality, and announce essential election dates through radio broadcasts.
Each writ must outline a detailed timetable that includes critical details such as the closing date for the Register of Voters, the publication date of this register, the period for objections, nomination dates, the number of councillors to be elected in each ward, and the polling day if elections are contested. Notably, elections must be conducted on a Saturday, scheduled between 32 to 40 days following the closure of nominations.
Additionally, the regulations provide guidance on how to handle vacancies within municipal councils. In the event of a vacancy, the council is required to alert the Electoral Commission, which then has 28 days to issue a writ to fill the vacancy while taking into account any legal challenge periods. Importantly, any decisions made by the Electoral Commission regarding disputes related to vacancies are conclusive and not open to appeal.
These regulations are a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in Fiji’s electoral processes, promising a more organized framework for local governance. The structured approach laid out not only enhances the integrity of municipal elections but also serves to empower local citizens by clarifying the electoral process.
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