Nadi resident Hussein Ali Shah has argued that by-elections should be considered a step of last resort for filling vacant parliamentary seats. His comments arose during discussions on electoral law reforms at the Nadi Airport mosque, where he engaged with New Zealand-based technical adviser Deidre Brookes who inquired about alternative solutions for addressing vacancies in Parliament.
Initially advocating for the abolition of by-elections, Mr. Shah has revised his stance, suggesting that they could be warranted under specific circumstances. He cited instances where a candidate passes away, expressing concern over party appointments that do not reflect popular demand. “If (candidate) D has passed away, why do you appoint E and F from the same party?” he questioned, advocating for by-elections in scenarios where selected candidates proved unpopular with the electorate.
Mr. Shah’s remarks also highlighted the concerns of marginalized communities feeling neglected within the political sphere, suggesting that many citizens hesitate to voice their opinions for fear of backlash, particularly regarding access to essential services like social welfare.
Interestingly, this sentiment echoes past discussions around Fiji’s electoral framework, specifically the criticisms voiced by former opposition leader Mick Beddoes regarding processes established by the FijiFirst party. Beddoes has been vocal about the need for reinstating by-elections, arguing that their abolition undermined citizens’ input regarding their representation in Parliament. He pointed out that this system permitted poorly performing Members of Parliament to replace one another with minimal public influence.
The ongoing discussions about electoral reforms in Fiji reveal a growing consciousness among the populace regarding governance, representation, and the democratic process. These dialogues are indicative of a hopeful trend toward a more inclusive political landscape that amplifies diverse voices within the electorate.
The last by-election in Fiji took place in 1968 following the walkout of several Federation Party members from the legislative council. Their walkout stemmed from dissatisfaction with the proposed ministerial system and a lack of constitutional engagement.
As Fiji stands on the brink of potential reform, discussions such as Mr. Shah’s could contribute meaningfully to shaping a more representative and responsive political environment, reaffirming the importance of public engagement in the country’s governance.
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