The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed National Referendum Bill 2025, labeling it as “significantly weak” in terms of fundamental democratic principles and possibly in violation of international standards for free suffrage. During a submission made to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga emphasized that while the bill follows procedural guidelines, it imposes “severe restrictions” that could hinder public discourse.
A particularly pressing issue highlighted by Catanasiga was the “near total ban” on political campaigning outlined in Clauses 22 and 23. She criticized this stipulation, which restricts all individuals except the supervisor for elections from displaying campaign symbols, advertisements, or engaging in canvassing activities. “This directly contradicts the international principle of freedom of expression and the need for robust public debate,” she stated.
Additionally, Catanasiga pointed to the insufficient timeline for public awareness regarding the referendum. Clause 11 mandates that the referendum question must be published merely five days before the voting date. She noted that international best practices advocate for a minimum period of four weeks, as seen in the example of the recent Australian Indigenous Voice Referendum, where voters had seven months to engage in discussions prior to voting.
FCOSS program manager Josaia Tokoni encouraged the committee to amend Clause 24 to permit civil society representatives to observe the process in tandem with political parties, thereby enhancing overall transparency. “The tone of the act should promote and affirm widespread participation and free public debate among citizens,” Tokoni remarked. He also warned that the existing restrictions may exacerbate voter apathy, particularly among younger generations.
While FCOSS acknowledged the bill’s commendable anti-fraud provisions and multilingual accessibility, they insisted that substantial changes are crucial for it to uphold democratic values. “The bill is sound on procedural integrity; however, it is significantly weak on the core democratic principles,” Catanasiga concluded.
The input from FCOSS underscores the importance of fostering an electoral environment that encourages informed participation and discourse, which are essential for a healthy democracy. Their proactive stance reflects a desire to enhance the democratic process in Fiji, advocating for reforms that could lead to more engaged and informed voting citizens.
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