Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji, has expressed concerns regarding the capacity of the Fijian Elections Office to conduct both local government and national elections within the same year. In a recent interview during a training session in Nadi aimed at empowering women and youth prospective candidates, Lal underscored the challenges faced by the Elections Office in managing two significant electoral events simultaneously.
Lal pointed out the uncertainties surrounding electoral boundaries, which have evolved since the last local elections two decades ago. Key aspects such as the number of wards and elected counselors per ward remain unclear, complicating the electoral process further. He emphasized the daunting task ahead for the Fijian Elections Office, managing the logistics of a national election alongside municipal elections that have not been held for many years.
Given these factors, Lal believes conducting municipal elections in the same year as national elections is not feasible, highlighting the additional pressures that would be placed on the electoral body.
In response to these concerns, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa stated earlier that municipal council elections are anticipated to take place by the end of the year, and that coordination with the Fijian Elections Office is ongoing.
This situation underscores the importance of effective planning and resource allocation in the electoral process, ensuring that both national and local governance frameworks can be upheld efficiently. There is hope that with collaborative efforts between the Local Government Ministry and the Elections Office, a suitable and clear path forward can be established for the upcoming elections, ultimately leading to a more engaged and representative political environment in Fiji.
Overall, while challenges exist, the ongoing training and preparation efforts demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the democratic process in the country.
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