Fiji’s Electoral Reform: Can a New Constitution Change the Game?

Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube has voiced his concerns over the effectiveness of a review of Fiji’s electoral laws, asserting that such changes would be futile unless the 2013 Constitution is amended. During recent public consultations held by the Fiji Law Reform Commission at Fiji National University, Narube unveiled plans to legally challenge the legitimacy of the 2013 Constitution, which he claims does not accurately reflect the will of the Fijian people and was imposed following an illegal overthrow of the Qarase government.

Narube articulated that Unity Fiji, in coalition with like-minded organizations and individuals, aims to file this legal challenge by the year’s end, believing that the Constitution’s legitimacy is inherently flawed. He further questioned the connection between proposed electoral reforms and the amendment process of the Constitution, emphasizing that without constitutional changes, any discussion around electoral law modifications remains superficial.

He expressed strong criticism of the current D’Hondt electoral system, labeling it “unfair and undemocratic,” as it does not ensure that Parliamentary seats are allocated based on individual votes, often resulting in candidates with higher votes being unseated by others with fewer votes. Narube proposed introducing constituencies for the upcoming 2026 elections and suggested removing the existing 5 percent threshold that political parties must meet to enter Parliament.

Overall, Narube’s assertions resonate with previous discussions highlighting the urgent need for constitutional reforms. Similar sentiments have been echoed by other political leaders who warn of the complexities involved in amending the Constitution, particularly concerning Chapter 11, which outlines stringent requirements for any amendments.

A hopeful perspective arises from the current political climate, where the government has initiated discussions regarding a Constitution Review Commission, igniting optimism for potential cooperative reforms. As Fiji navigates these dialogues, there lies a renewed opportunity to address longstanding governance issues, paving the way for a more representative political framework that reflects the aspirations of its diverse population.