Concerns have been raised by the Electoral Commission regarding the tight timeline for the review of Fiji’s electoral laws. In a letter addressed to Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, the Commission emphasized that the short timeframe may hinder the quality of draft legislation and highlighted the necessity for thorough and inclusive public consultations rather than rushed discussions with limited stakeholders.
The review stems from a Cabinet decision made on February 19, 2025, granting the Fiji Law Reform Commission responsibility for reevaluating the Electoral Act 2014, the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, and the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act 2013. The Cabinet’s joint directive, issued on February 21, framed the review’s terms of reference, assigning notable figures, including former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki as chair and several experts in various relevant fields, with the task of undertaking this review.
While the Electoral Commission has expressed its reservations about the timeline, a formal term of reference was established for the Law Reform Commission. The commission is tasked with identifying necessary reforms, promoting women’s representation, enhancing accountability among elected officials, ensuring independence within electoral bodies, and facilitating the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
Notably, the review process aims to align electoral laws with international conventions on human rights and democracy, including provisions for gender equality and the inclusion of marginalized groups. This commitment reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive reforms in the nation’s electoral framework to foster a more robust, equitable, and participatory democracy in Fiji.
Key stakeholders, including the public, civil society, political parties, and media will be engaged throughout the consultation process. The commission encourages feedback and aims to gather a diverse set of perspectives to refine the electoral laws, ensuring the reforms genuinely reflect the aspirations of all Fijians.
This initiative is poised to bring positive change, transforming Fiji’s electoral landscape into one that is more representative and accountable, thus paving the way for a more inclusive democracy that resonates with the broader public. With an emphasis on community involvement, hopes are high that these reforms will strengthen Fiji’s democratic processes and restore public trust in the electoral system.
Leave a comment