Fijians are urged to demand consultation regarding the Local Government Act, according to Jon Apted, a former supervisor of elections and constitutional lawyer. He criticized the government’s approach of updating local government provisions by imitating parliamentary election rules, noting the resulting uncertainty about how this new system would function.
Apted pointed out that local government elections differ significantly from national elections, creating challenges in the organization and execution of the voting process. Despite amendments made to the law last year, many regulations governing local government elections remain unestablished.
During a panel discussion hosted by Dialogue Fiji, he highlighted the lack of public consultation during the amendment process for the Act. He emphasized the need for the government to engage the public and political candidates in discussions about the rules that will dictate candidacy submissions and polling procedures.
Apted advocated for a more inclusive candidacy framework in Local Government elections, suggesting that the government reconsider restrictions that limit candidacy to only political parties and independents. He argued that allowing local ratepayer groups to participate, particularly in smaller towns, would enhance the electoral process.
With the existing laws still undefined, he reiterated the importance of clarity in the system to allow for effective planning and execution of elections.