Fiji Municipal Elections Delayed as Rival Parties Clash

A heated exchange has erupted between the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and the Peoples Alliance Party over the ongoing postponement of municipal council elections in Fiji. The FLP has accused the current Coalition government of reneging on a critical election promise by not reinstating elected municipal councils nearly three years into the government’s term.

In a statement, the FLP decried the Coalition’s reliance on Special Administrators, calling it a “gross abuse of ratepayers’ money.” The party further alleged that these appointments were influenced by “political affiliation and cultural ties,” arranged to satisfy the needs of the Coalition partners. Moreover, the FLP speculated that the government was intentionally avoiding elections, fearing a backlash from dissatisfied voters.

Sila Balawa, General Secretary of the Peoples Alliance Party, responded vehemently, dismissing the FLP’s criticisms as “misleading, hypocritical, and recycled rhetoric.” Balawa highlighted that, contrary to the FLP’s assertions, the Cabinet had approved new regulations for local government elections anticipated for 2025. These regulations are intended to replace the outdated ones from 1972.

Balawa defended the government’s choice of special administrators, insisting that they consist of former mayors, civil servants, and professionals selected transparently. He rebuked the FLP for undermining the integrity of these administrators, labeling their criticism as “dishonest and insulting.” Balawa also accused the FLP of engaging in “cheap politics” without offering viable solutions or vision.

Meanwhile, the municipal elections remain unscheduled, despite expectations following the introduction of new regulations.

This ongoing feud underscores a broader political struggle within Fiji, particularly as opposition parties such as the FLP and Unity Fiji consider strategic alliances to challenge the current government over unfulfilled commitments like municipal elections. Such potential alliances and collaborations are seen as a way to hold the government accountable, with aims to reintroduce elected municipal councils and enhance governance accountability. The emphasis on conducting municipal elections reflects a desire to reinvigorate democratic processes at the local level, potentially transforming voter trust in the political system.