The University of Fiji (UniFiji) and Dialogue Fiji have publicly opposed the proposal to restore the Senate in Fiji, presenting their stance in a joint submission to the Electoral Law Reform Commission. During an event in Suva, representatives from both organizations outlined their belief that an unelected upper house is incompatible with the future of governance in Fiji.
Vice Chancellor of UniFiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, and Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji, highlighted that their recommendations focus on fostering inclusivity, transparency, and stability within the electoral framework, and explicitly advised against reverting to outdated structures such as the Senate. They emphasized the need for electoral reforms that uphold democratic representation.
Key recommendations made in their submission included:
1. Establishing an Open List Proportional Representation system.
2. Creating a single national constituency.
3. Maintaining the current size of parliament, which adjusts according to population data.
4. Retaining the voting age at 18, in line with international standards.
5. Keeping the four-year parliamentary term.
6. Ensuring that the Senate, particularly an unelected version, is not reinstated.
7. Maintaining restrictions on election day to enhance the integrity of the process.
8. Avoiding constitutional changes impacting elections close to election dates to safeguard national stability.
9. Implementing electoral reforms without requiring constitutional amendments.
The joint submission underscores a collaborative effort to blend academic insight with practical recommendations, aiming to create a more credible and foundational approach to reform. This sentiment aligns with the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive political environment and enhancing citizen participation.
Similar sentiments have been expressed in previous discussions about electoral reform in Fiji, highlighting the conflicting opinions on the necessity and structure of a potential Senate. Some political leaders argue for its reinstatement as a mechanism for better legislative oversight, while others emphasize the risks of creating bureaucratic delays that could hinder legislative processes.
Furthermore, the discourse surrounding electoral reforms reflects a growing awareness and engagement among citizens and stakeholders, instilling hope for a more responsive and representative system moving forward. This dialogue is seen as an essential step toward strengthening democracy in Fiji as stakeholders navigate the complexities of electoral legislation and public expectations.
The ongoing discussions present an optimistic opportunity to reshape Fiji’s democratic landscape, enhancing the electoral framework to better reflect the will of its people and address pressing issues related to representation and governance.
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