The Fiji Law Reform Commission is actively engaging the public for consultations focused on revising significant electoral legislation, including the Electoral Act 2014, the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, and the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act 2013. As articulated by former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, these discussions will take place across various regions in Fiji, including potential consultations in Levuka, Kadavu, the Lau Group, and Rotuma, with the first round scheduled for April 7.
In a bid to encourage broad citizen participation, Fijians are invited to submit questions and feedback via email or through an online portal featuring a submission form. This initiative seeks to ensure that voices from all walks of life contribute to this democratic process, ultimately aiming for a more inclusive electoral framework.
To overcome concerns about the public submission timeframe, the Ministry of Justice emphasized that a comprehensive consultation process is in place, deploying teams nationwide to gather perspectives directly from the communities about the electoral system and existing legislation.
Daniel Fatiaki highlighted the vital nature of public participation, noting that this review includes not only evaluations of current laws but also recognizes key provisions in the Constitution that govern electoral systems. However, any constitutional amendments will necessitate a separate review process under the existing legal framework.
Building on earlier discussions about the need for electoral reforms, particularly aimed at improving women’s representation—who accounted for only five seats in the last election—the government is committed to modernizing its electoral laws. This reflects a broader dedication towards enhancing transparency and inclusivity in Fiji’s democratic practices.
The overall momentum towards engaging public opinion and reforming electoral laws signals a hopeful step for the democratic process in Fiji, promoting a collaborative environment where every citizen feels empowered to participate and contribute to shaping their political landscape.
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