The Ministry of Local Government in Fiji has assured that the absence of a specific budget allocation for local government elections does not indicate a lack of commitment to hold these elections this year. This response was prompted by concerns from Lautoka Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy regarding the financial provisions for facilitating local elections.
The ministry emphasized the Coalition Government’s dedication to conducting local government elections in a manner that emphasizes meaningful democratic participation and representation, rather than merely fulfilling appearances. The 2025-2026 National Budget Estimates have allocated $538,000 for logistics related to the upcoming elections.
Preparations are already underway, with significant amendments made to the Local Government Act of 1972. These amendments, which were passed by Parliament in November 2023, are designed to align the legislation with recent policy changes following the last elections held in 2005. The Fiji Elections Office (FEO) has also developed regulations governing electoral procedures, which are now nearing finalization after extensive review and collaboration among the relevant government bodies.
Furthermore, the ministry has completed a review of municipal ward boundaries, ensuring the inclusion of villages that are within or near municipal boundaries. This proposal has been submitted for consideration by the Electoral Commission.
Additionally, a comprehensive councillor allocation policy has been established to determine the number of councillors per municipality and ward, based on international best practices. The ministry has been in discussions with political parties and special administrators to finalize this list.
The timeline for municipal elections will be communicated once the final regulations of the Electoral Act are formally published. The government’s commitment to enhance local governance and democratic engagement reflects an optimistic outlook for the upcoming elections, which are seen as a critical opportunity for revitalizing community representation in Fiji.
This situation is particularly significant in light of past challenges that have faced local elections in the country. By addressing discrepancies and ensuring adequate preparation, Fiji is taking steps towards strengthening local democracy and civic involvement, offering hope for a more engaged and representative governance framework moving forward.
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