Dialogue Fiji Chief Executive Nilesh Lal has expressed strong opposition to Section 27 of the draft national referendum Bill, which restricts individuals under 18 and non-registered voters from participating in referendum-related activities. Lal emphasizes that this limitation is especially concerning as Fiji grapples with escalating youth political apathy.
He argues that the restriction not only discourages the youth from engaging in civic life but also contradicts global initiatives aimed at enhancing youth involvement in politics. The Bill has raised further alarm within Dialogue Fiji due to its apparent similarities to Singapore’s 1961 National Referendum Ordinance. Lal points out that this particular law was utilized during Singapore’s contentious 1962 merger referendum with Malaysia, an event that historians have described as manipulated and undemocratic.
Lal warns that drawing from such a controversial example undermines the Fijian government’s proclaimed commitment to bolstering democracy. He advocates for lawmakers to look towards more progressive democratic practices in countries such as Vanuatu, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, where referendums encourage open public discourse and include robust mechanisms to ensure fairness.
To this end, Dialogue Fiji has proposed the removal or revision of Sections 22 and 23 of the Bill to facilitate adequate civic education and public campaigning. The organization is also advocating for the establishment of spending limits, transparency regulations, and safeguards against the misuse of public resources for promotional purposes surrounding the referendum.
Additionally, Lal has called for the elimination of blanket restrictions on youth participation and the implementation of higher approval thresholds for constitutional amendments to better safeguard minority rights. During the upcoming days, Dialogue Fiji plans to submit a comprehensive written statement to the parliamentary committee to further support their stance.
Lal’s efforts represent an important call for a more inclusive and democratic process in Fiji, reflecting a hopeful vision for increased civic engagement among the youth and a commitment to fair political practices.
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