A movement to reinstate the Senate in Fiji is gaining traction, with increasing calls from political leaders to reform the country’s electoral and parliamentary systems. At a recent public consultation organized by the Fiji Law Reform Commission at the Suva Civic Centre, SODELPA general secretary Viliame Takayawa emphasized the necessity of re-establishing the Senate as a crucial mechanism to check executive power and ensure that legislation aligns with constitutional principles.
Takayawa proposed that any vacant Senate position should be filled by the original political party to maintain voter intention and accountability, an idea echoed by Ratu Manoa Malani, co-founder of the proposed Liberation of Fiji Party. Malani noted that a Senate would increase scrutiny over legislation, particularly concerning land and natural resources, warning of risks to indigenous land rights without such oversight.
Former Cabinet Minister Adi Finau Tamari Tabakaucoro reminded the audience of the Senate’s previous responsibilities, stating it served as a review body for legislation, albeit with limited powers. She stressed the importance of having oversight that is currently lacking in the political framework.
Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, a principal architect of the 2013 Constitution, cautioned that any effort to reintroduce a Senate must adhere strictly to the established constitutional amendment process, which requires a significant parliamentary majority.
In addition to the Senate discussions, SODELPA is advocating for the inclusion of candidate names and party symbols on ballots to mitigate voter confusion. Due to the current system whereby candidates are numbered without accompanying descriptions, there have been incidents of mistaken identity leading to electoral discrepancies in past elections.
The response from the public has been modest, with less than 50 participants attending the recent consultation. The commission is continuing its consultations with events scheduled in Korovou and Nausori to gather broader community input on these critical reforms.
This consideration for reinstating elements like the Senate and enhancing ballot clarity represents a hopeful step toward strengthening democratic governance in Fiji. With ongoing public dialogue and reform proposals, the potential for a more responsive and accountable political system appears promising. As citizens engage in these discussions, the prospects for political reform may foster greater democratic participation and representation in Fiji’s governance.
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