Former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, who chairs Fiji’s Electoral Law Reform Commission, has emphasized the importance of moving forward without reverting to ethnic-based voting. In a recent interview, he made it clear that society has progressed past such divisive practices. Fatiaki stated, “We will no longer go back to ethnic voting,” describing it as a detrimental step backward. He also rejected suggestions to reinstate the outdated 1997 electoral system, asserting that it was flawed and not a true representation of the people’s needs.
While acknowledging that many current electoral laws align with international standards, Fatiaki expressed concerns about the manipulation of laws to serve political ends. He emphasized the necessity for a user-friendly electoral system that simplifies processes for voters and removes barriers, aiming to enhance participation.
This discussion comes amid ongoing debates about the representation of women in Fiji’s political landscape, where only five women were elected in the most recent general election. There is a concerted push for inclusivity in the electoral reform process, with public consultations planned to gather a diverse array of perspectives on potential changes.
Fatiaki believes that through these reforms, there is a significant opportunity to create a political environment that reflects the will of the people, fostering greater civic engagement and trust in the democratic process. He remains hopeful that stakeholders will embrace the commission’s proposals, paving the way for a more participative democracy that represents all citizens, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
The optimism surrounding upcoming reforms is palpable, as there is a shared commitment to advance not just electoral processes, but also to enhance the broader democratic framework in Fiji.
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