The Fijian Elections Office faces significant challenges in organizing both local government and national elections in the same year, according to Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji. During a training session in Nadi aimed at empowering women and youth prospective election candidates, Lal expressed concerns about the office’s capacity for handling two elections simultaneously, especially since local government elections have not occurred for two decades.
Lal highlighted the uncertainty surrounding new electoral boundaries, the total number of wards, and the number of councillors required per ward, all of which complicate the electoral process. He pointed out that managing a national election alongside local elections would be an overwhelming task for the office.
Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa has shared that the ministry is actively collaborating with the Fijian Elections Office, with municipal council elections anticipated to take place at the end of the year. However, Lal argues that timing such elections together is far from ideal given the current circumstances.
In summary, while the Fijian government aims to conduct both municipal and national elections, the logistical and organizational hurdles may hinder the success of such an undertaking.
On a hopeful note, this situation could prompt efforts to improve the electoral process and reorganize timelines, ensuring a more streamlined election experience in the future. By focusing on building capacity and transparency now, the Fijian Elections Office can lay the groundwork for effective governance and representation in the years to come.
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