Fiji’s Parliament has taken a significant step toward enhancing its democratic processes with the introduction of the Referendum Bill 2025, presented by Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of polling day as a public holiday, aimed at ensuring that every eligible Fijian can access the voting process fully and fairly.
In his address, Turaga emphasized the importance of creating a safe and equitable voting climate, which would cover eligibility, voting procedures, ballot integrity, and the publication of official results. This initiative is designed to prevent any Fijian from facing undue obstacles in exercising their democratic rights. He stressed that employers would be mandated to provide reasonable time off for employees to participate in the voting process, further enhancing accessibility and participation.
Turaga noted that making polling day a national holiday aligns with international best practices, promoting greater voter turnout and equal opportunity for involvement in the democratic process. He highlighted the necessity for polling stations to be accessible and well-equipped, staffed by dedicated presiding officers committed to maintaining order and fairness throughout the election.
The proposed bill reflects the government’s dedication to fostering a transparent and inclusive democratic environment, ensuring voters can cast their ballots without intimidation or logistical barriers. “Every voter must be able to make a free and informed choice,” Turaga stated, reaffirming the importance of informed participation in the electoral process.
Additionally, the Referendum Bill 2025 delineates a comprehensive legal framework for conducting national referendums, detailing the responsibilities of the Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections, and allowing the use of school facilities as polling stations, with funding sourced from the Consolidated Fund.
Overall, Turaga asserted that the bill aims to reinforce democratic governance in Fiji. “It empowers citizens, it protects voters, it strengthens institutions, and it ensures that the process is fair, transparent and dignified,” he concluded, highlighting the positive implications of the legislation for the nation’s future electoral practices. The introduction of the Referendum Bill 2025 is a hopeful stride toward fostering a more participatory and equitable democracy in Fiji.
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