Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted criticized the Government’s hasty enactment of the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which he claims inaccurately mirrors the regulations governing Parliamentary Elections in Fiji. During a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji focused on women’s participation in local government elections, Apted emphasized that local and parliamentary elections operate under fundamentally different conditions.
According to Apted, the Amendment Act mandates that candidates in local government elections must be nominated by a political party or stand as independents. He argued that historically, elections in larger cities and municipalities differ significantly from those in smaller towns.
He noted that major urban areas like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi often become political battlegrounds, with parties vying for funding for local infrastructure and services. In contrast, smaller towns do not attract the same level of political interest. Instead, local elections often see grassroots candidates who are genuinely concerned about community issues taking charge.
Apted warned that the new legislation poses challenges for potential candidates, suggesting it creates barriers for individuals seeking to participate in local elections. He expressed concern that the current regulations obstruct true democratic engagement and complicate the election process.