In a recent session of Parliament, National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the urgent need for Fiji to reform its electoral laws to restore trust and fairness in the electoral process. Drawing from his experiences during his years in opposition and across the last three general elections, he noted that many concerns highlighted in the latest electoral report resonate with issues raised by the opposition over the years.
Prasad pointed out that the discourse surrounding free and fair elections often requires scrutiny of laws that can potentially be manipulated. He characterized certain electoral provisions, which have been repeatedly altered, as “stupid laws” that could be exploited to undermine the electoral process. He firmly believes that without necessary changes, these problematic laws will continue to be weaponized, hindering the possibility of genuinely free and fair elections.
Moreover, Professor Prasad stressed that an election should adhere to a broader standard than merely being deemed free and fair; it must embody electoral integrity as well. He criticized previous administrations for imposing restrictions on international observer groups, which he claims diluted independent oversight and raised concerns about credibility. He highlighted that past laws required observer groups to comply with terms set by the government, resulting in limited international participation and oversight.
In light of this, Prasad called on Parliament to thoroughlty consider the electoral report and initiate reforms that enhance transparency, neutrality, and independence at every phase of the electoral process. He reiterated that while free and fair elections are crucial, achieving true electoral integrity encompasses a much wider scope of accountability and oversight. Professor Prasad’s advocacy for reform underscores a significant push towards improving the democratic framework in Fiji, instilling hope for a more transparent electoral future.
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