A strong consensus among the Naduri villagers calls for a significant overhaul of Fiji’s electoral system, advocating for a return to the old constituency-based model. Villager Rapoama Raqi highlighted the desire for candidates who genuinely understand the community’s daily challenges, stating, “This way, we can vote for someone we actually know.” This sentiment is echoed by Viliame Rova, who feels disconnected from current candidates due to a lack of personal familiarity.
The shift from local representatives to a nationwide voting system has left many voters feeling alienated. Prof. Wadan Narsey, a member of the Electoral Law Reform Commission, pointed out that today’s voters are faced with confusing ballots filled with numbers but lacking names and party symbols, making it difficult to know which candidates represent them.
The villagers also proposed raising the voting age from 18 to 21, citing concerns that younger voters may not fully comprehend political ramifications. Ravulolo Draunibaka noted, “Politicians target them for votes – but they don’t really know what’s going on,” advocating for a more informed electorate. Daniel Fatiaki, Commission chair, acknowledged that many believe 18 may be too young for such a significant responsibility.
Additionally, Raqi proposed increasing the number of parliamentary seats from 55 to 60, with equitable distribution among men, women, and youths, ensuring broader representation and engagement in governance. However, Fatiaki pointed out previous consultation feedback suggesting fewer seats would reduce costs, highlighting the competing views on how to structure representation effectively.
These discussions reflect ongoing debates about Fiji’s electoral landscape, previously addressed by experts such as Fatiaki and constitutional lawyer Jon Apted, who have raised concerns about local representation and electoral fairness. There is hope that ongoing consultations could lead to reforms fostering greater civic engagement and a more representative government.
In this context, the push for reforms not only represents a demand for accountability and representation but also highlights the willingness of the community to engage actively in shaping the electoral landscape. With ongoing discussions about inclusivity and engagement, there remains an optimistic outlook toward enhancing democracy and ensuring that every citizen’s voice is recognized in Fiji’s governance.
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