The Fiji Electoral Law Reform Review Team is set to launch public consultations next month on the country’s electoral legislation, as announced by Review Team Chair, Daniel Fatiaki. The consultations will initially take place in Viti Levu before expanding to other regions, allowing the Commission to engage with various communities and ensure that diverse voices are included in the review process.
Fatiaki emphasized the importance of making the consultation process interactive. They have prepared two key documents: one detailing the topics for discussion and another outlining the consultation timeline. The topics cover a range of electoral issues, including the current electoral system, vote counting methods, voter and candidate qualifications, and women’s representation in parliament.
This initiative is not merely a formality, according to Fatiaki; it is designed to genuinely listen to the public’s input and perspectives on how the electoral act can be improved. He encourages all citizens to participate actively in sharing their views.
In a broader context, this review aligns with previous discussions and initiatives to overhaul Fiji’s electoral laws, particularly diverting focus to significant issues such as women’s underrepresentation, which has been alarmingly low—only five women were elected to Parliament during the last general election. This sustained effort reflects a larger commitment from the Fijian government to modernize its electoral framework to be more inclusive and representative.
By prioritizing the voices of the people in this review process, Fiji is on a hopeful path toward fostering a more participatory democracy that values the contributions of all its citizens. This initiative signifies a promising step forward for the nation in addressing longstanding electoral challenges and enhancing public trust in democratic processes.
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