National Federation Party member Priscilla Singh has emphasized the importance of re-establishing the Senate Council in Fiji as a way to ensure improved checks and balances within the legislative process. Addressing attendees at the Electoral Law Reform Commission Public Consultation, Singh highlighted the positive relationship that could exist between a Senate and the Lower House of Parliament, suggesting that it could act as a corrective measure when Parliament falls short in fulfilling its legislative duties.
Singh elaborated that a Senate would provide additional oversight, stating, “If Parliament was not able to do what it is supposed to do, there was another level of leadership that would look into it and put things right.” This sentiment mirrors calls from various political leaders, including those from SODELPA, who have also advocated for a Senate to reinforce accountability and legislative scrutiny.
Addressing concerns related to Fiji’s electoral process, she raised the issue of by-elections, arguing they are costly. Singh noted the mechanism of the Party List, where candidates next in line can step up to fill vacant seats, as a topic warranting further discussion. She questioned the fairness of allowing a candidate elected with only 100 votes to take precedence over one with 1,000 votes, calling for a review of the five percent threshold outlined in the Constitution. The current threshold, she argued, could hinder the representation of smaller parties.
Singh is not alone in her advocacy; her views resonate with experts like former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki and constitutional lawyer Jon Apted, who have raised similar concerns about the implications of Fiji’s electoral system derived from the 2013 Constitution. They contend that the existing framework, which operates through a single national constituency, can lead to representatives being elected with alarmingly low vote counts, further complicating the relationship between voters and their elected officials.
The ongoing discussions and calls for reform present an optimistic view for the future of Fiji’s political landscape. Increased public engagement and the potential for legislative adjustments hint at a more responsive and accountable governance framework. As these dialogues progress, there is hope that they will culminate in a system that better represents the diverse interests of all Fijians, encouraging broader participation in the democratic process.
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