Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga has firmly rejected rumors regarding the possibility of Fiji’s upcoming general election being postponed. He emphasized that under the Constitution, elections are not optional and must be held, given that Parliament is mandated to operate within a four-year lifespan, as stated in Section 58.
Turaga confirmed that the earliest date for issuing the writ of election is June 24, setting polling for August 7. The latest date for the writ could be December 24, with February 6 marking the last possible date for lawful elections. This timeline reflects a commitment to uphold democratic principles.
In preparation for the elections, the Fiji Law Reform Commission has completed a comprehensive review of electoral laws, with its findings currently under review by the Solicitor-General’s office. Turaga noted that the timeline for the electoral process will also depend on the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission, whose members are expected to be announced by the Prime Minister soon.
As part of his vision for a legacy of fair and transparent elections, Turaga indicated that modifications to election rules are anticipated. The aim is to simplify the electoral process to ensure greater accessibility, especially for voters in rural and non-urban areas. He explained that some existing electoral laws would be evaluated to better align with the realities of Fiji’s demographic and voting landscape.
Turaga stressed the importance of disregarding misleading speculation about the election timeline, asserting the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. His confidence in the electoral process underscores a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s democratic future, as the nation prepares for this pivotal moment.
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