The Consolidated Review Report on the 2022 General Elections proposes a gender quota for political party candidates in Fiji, aiming to bolster female representation in future elections. This significant recommendation was presented to Parliament by Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure during a committee report session on Thursday.
The proposal emerges from the findings of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, which reviewed 20 recommendations from the Multinational Observer Group (MOG), alongside suggestions from the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Fijian Elections Office (FEO). The report indicates that some recommendations may necessitate constitutional amendments to be fully realized.
The report raises concerns regarding the FEO’s declaration document, suggesting that it poses risks of being exploited by victorious political parties post-election. Among other noteworthy discussions was the committee’s recommendation to eliminate the ceiling cap on political donations, citing potential threats to the independence of governing parties. Additionally, early public disclosure of election dates and a recommendation to replace the mobile election results app with a traditional media center system were proposed.
In light of these recommendations, the report emphasized the paramount need to create a new framework for fair media access in accordance with recent changes to the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA).
The significant push for the gender quota aligns with advocacy efforts from various civil society organizations and previous reports which noted a steep decline in female candidates from 24 percent in the 2018 elections to just 18 percent in the 2022 elections. The ongoing dialogue about electoral reforms is not only indicative of a demand for increased women’s representation but also reflects a broader desire to rectify historical imbalances in Fiji’s political arena.
As the discussion unfolds, there exists an optimistic outlook that these reforms and the potential introduction of a mandatory gender quota could encourage more women to participate actively in politics, enriching the political landscape and enhancing governance. With strong advocacy from civil groups, the hope is that such structural changes will empower women, ensuring that their voices contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s democratic process.
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