A public consultation organized by the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights in Labasa was abruptly canceled due to an extremely low turnout, with only one attendee present. This consultation was designed to collect public feedback on three significant bills: the Code of Conduct Bill, the Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill, and the Access to Information Bill.
Committee chairman Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure expressed disappointment at the unexpected turnout, emphasizing the importance of these consultations in shaping effective governance laws. He stated, “No one has come forward to give their views on the governance bills,” underscoring that public voices are crucial during the legislative process.
In reflecting on the situation, Ratu Rakuita noted that this was the poorest attendance recorded so far and termed it a missed opportunity for the community. He called on the public to actively engage in future consultations, highlighting that input is critical while bills are still in the review process. “Once a Bill is passed, it becomes law and is binding on everyone,” he cautioned, reiterating the necessity for community feedback to ensure that laws align with the needs and views of the populace.
This scenario echoes previous consultations across Fiji, where public participation has also fallen short, revealing a common concern regarding civic engagement in legislative processes. Similar consultations in places like Korovou and Suva have met with lackluster attendance despite significant efforts to raise awareness and encourage public involvement.
Ratu Rakuita urged government agencies and stakeholders to boost awareness of these consultations to ensure greater public engagement in the legislative process. This call to action aims to promote a participatory democracy where Fijians feel empowered to influence the laws that govern them.
The current challenges with public turnout during these consultations also present a positive opportunity for future improvement. With ongoing efforts to foster civic engagement and make legislative processes more accessible, there is hope for enhanced public participation, which could lead to laws that better reflect the aspirations and needs of all Fijians.
Leave a comment