Fiji’s Electoral Reform: A Call for Inclusivity and Change

The chairman of Fiji’s Electoral Law Reform Commission, former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, asserted that the ideal number of seats in Fiji’s Parliament should be determined through a consultative process with the citizens. During a dialogue featured on The Lens@177, he referred to the historical precedence of varying parliamentary sizes within the nation, where legislative bodies have comprised 50, 60, or even 70 members.

Fatiaki explained that a larger parliament could enhance inclusivity and broader representation, particularly if a new electoral system is adopted. He criticized the current model, which favors well-known candidates—often termed “superstars”—responsible for drawing voters that may inadvertently assist less popular candidates in securing seats, thereby undermining the genuine merit of individual candidates.

With the election season approaching, he highlighted the necessity for politicians currently reliant on celebrity status to reevaluate their strategies. He urged them to focus on gaining votes through their own merits and credibility, noting that those still banking solely on the superstar model might face significant challenges in the upcoming elections.

This view resonates with concerns raised by constitutional lawyer Jon Apted and Fatiaki’s previous critiques regarding Fiji’s electoral framework, particularly the potential inadequacies in local representation and the difficulties faced by independent candidates under the current single constituency system. Apted articulated that the existing model often leads to representatives being chosen with a minimal number of votes—sometimes as few as 600—casting doubt on their legitimacy to adequately represent all constituents.

Both Fatiaki and Apted emphasize the pressing need for electoral reforms aimed at fostering greater inclusivity and better reflecting the diverse needs of Fiji’s population. Despite the existing challenges, ongoing discussions hint at potential transformative changes in Fijian governance, promoting a more engaged and representative political environment.

These dialogues around electoral reform present an opportunity for revitalized democratic practices that could lead to a brighter future for governance in Fiji, characterized by increased citizen representation and participation.