The Fiji Law Reform Commission has been granted an extension until the end of June to complete its review of essential electoral legislation, namely the Electoral Act 2014, the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, and the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. This extension follows a request made by the Commission’s director, Raijeli Tuivaga, indicating that the original deadline of April 4 was unfeasible.
Tuivaga expressed satisfaction with the new timeline, affirming that it allows the team to conduct a thorough review. The final recommendations, accompanied by the revised legislation, will be presented to the Attorney-General’s Chambers before moving on to parliamentary consideration, anticipated to take place in July. This timeline is particularly crucial as it ensures that the Supervisor of Elections has adequate time to prepare for the upcoming elections, with about six months allocated for readiness.
The review will be informed by a diverse team, including former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, academic Professor Wadan Narsey, electoral expert Dr. Deidre Brooks from New Zealand, and community outreach specialist Seni Nabou. Tuivaga highlighted the team’s intention to actively engage with the public through community consultations, emphasizing the importance of gathering varied perspectives on the electoral process. The Commission aims to include voices from all sectors of society, particularly those that may hold differing views.
This initiative also resonates with recent discussions surrounding the urgent need for electoral reforms in Fiji, focusing on enhancing women’s representation in politics and addressing other structural issues within the electoral framework. A collaborative approach with various stakeholders—such as governmental bodies, civil society, and the media—will be employed to consider the electoral needs of all citizens.
The ongoing commitment to reform reflects a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s electoral process, promising a more inclusive and participatory democracy. As the Commission prepares to solicit public opinions, it sets the foundation for legislative changes that could ultimately strengthen democracy in the nation, ensuring that every Fijian’s voice is valued in shaping their political landscape.
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