Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Referendum Bill, labeling it “unconstitutional” and accusing Attorney General Siromi Turaga of misleading the public regarding its ramifications for civil liberties. Chaudhry points out that the Attorney General’s assertion that the Bill does not inhibit public debate or advocacy is misleading, specifically highlighting Clause 23, which explicitly prohibits any form of discussion or consultation concerning referendum matters.
Chaudhry raised concerns about whether the legislation effectively constitutes an outright ban on public discourse and campaigning related to a referendum. He emphasized that Clause 22 further restricts all advertisement, publication, or distribution of materials relating to the referendum to the Supervisor of Elections, imposing substantial penalties for violations, including fines of $1,000 and potential imprisonment for up to one year. He characterized these measures as “draconian,” arguing they infringe upon fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly.
In his critique, Chaudhry stressed the importance of allowing citizens to be adequately informed prior to a referendum, noting that the Bill fails to acknowledge the essential right to public debate and advocacy. This lack of provisions for informed dialogue raises significant concerns about the democratic process in Fiji. The ongoing discussions around the Bill highlight a critical examination of governmental policies and their implications for civil rights, emphasizing the need for transparency and public engagement in Fiji’s democratic processes.
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