Fiji’s Referendum Bill Sparks Debate Over Free Speech

The government has dismissed claims by Dialogue Fiji that the National Referendum Bill 2025 poses an unprecedented threat to democratic freedoms. Officials assert that the organization has misrepresented both the intent and specifics of the proposed legislation.

In their statement, the government clarified that the Bill does not restrict public discussions about referendum topics, countering Dialogue Fiji’s assertion that the law would effectively criminalize civic education, media analysis, and public advocacy. Nilesh Lal, the Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, had previously criticized the Bill as a potential shutdown of crucial public debate regarding significant national matters, particularly anticipated constitutional changes. He remarked that the Bill’s implications are substantially more undemocratic than anything earlier enacted by the FijiFirst party and are more restrictive than previous governmental efforts.

In response, the government emphasized that the Bill’s provisions regarding offences are neither new nor extraordinary but are reflective of existing electoral laws and international norms aimed at ensuring a fair referendum process. They noted that any concerns regarding restrictive clauses will be addressed through Parliamentary Standing Committee reviews, during which civil societies, media entities, and the public can submit their views prior to the Bill’s re-examination in Parliament.

Furthermore, the government refuted Dialogue Fiji’s characterization of the Bill as undemocratic by stating that it aims to protect the referendum process from misinformation while encouraging responsible public dialogue. They assured that any national referendum would be conducted independently by the Supervisor of Elections and would incorporate nationwide consultations prior to any constitutional votes.

The government has underscored the importance of effective communication channels for media engagement to mitigate misinformation and maintain public trust, urging Dialogue Fiji to utilize established processes as discussions on the Bill proceed. This proactive stance on ensuring both public participation and the integrity of the referendum process could serve as a platform for constructive engagement in the democratic process.