A political expert has cautioned that with Fiji’s general election approaching, significant changes to the electoral system are impractical at this stage. Jon Fraenkel, a scholar in Comparative Politics at Victoria University of Wellington, articulated his concerns during a public lecture organized by Dialogue Fiji in collaboration with Fiji National University. He emphasized that hasty electoral reforms could undermine the legitimacy of the country’s democratic processes.
Fraenkel pointed out that any efforts to initiate changes in the current political climate would be “very unwise.” He stressed the importance of careful deliberation in Parliament when considering changes to the Electoral Act. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the potential misuse of Standing Order 51, which allows legislation to be passed without thorough debate. He warned that reliance on such measures could ignite public suspicions regarding the legitimacy of reforms, which, in turn, could erode confidence in the electoral system.
The ongoing discourse around electoral reform has previously highlighted significant deficiencies in Fiji’s political landscape. Opposition leaders, including Savenaca Narube of Unity Fiji, have critiqued current government proposals for lacking comprehensive public engagement and representation. They argue that reforms should not merely echo the tactics of prior administrations which were often dismissed for their superficial public involvement.
Legal experts and commission chairperson Daniel Fatiaki have echoed these sentiments, pointing to the necessity for constitutional amendments that facilitate genuine and impactful reforms. Previous discussions have illustrated a consensus on the need for substantive changes to enhance representation, particularly regarding the underrepresentation of women in politics.
This turbulent yet hopeful period for Fijian democracy offers a chance for stakeholders to collectively navigate towards a more inclusive electoral framework. By fostering comprehensive dialogues within and outside the political sphere to address past grievances, there is potential for a revitalized political system that genuinely represents the aspirations of Fiji’s diverse population.
As the reform process unfolds, the emphasis on bipartisan cooperation and transparency could lead to a strengthened democratic governance in Fiji, nurturing confidence and encouraging civic engagement among its citizens.
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