Residents in Lautoka have expressed their concerns regarding the electoral process during a consultation on Electoral Law Reform. Isoa Nasilasila, a local villager, highlighted feelings of disillusionment among educated villagers, stating that many feel their votes do not result in tangible changes. The frustrations stem from a history of constitutional amendments and a perceived lack of visible improvements in their communities.
Nasilasila articulated that frequent changes enacted by new political parties without adequate consultation with village residents disheartens voters. “Every time a new party goes in, they have to change the Constitution,” he said, emphasizing that such actions do not consider the voices and needs of rural communities. This disconnect breeds apathy towards voting, as many villagers question the purpose of participating in elections that do not seem to yield improvements.
The call for transparency in governance was echoed by Nasilasila, who pointed out the neglect of local infrastructure, specifically mentioning the poor condition of roads compared to developments in other regions such as Vanua Levu. “Those people there, they’re making roads in Vanua Levu, our roads here are still bad. They haven’t been fixed,” he lamented.
Daniel Fatiaki, chair of the Electoral Reform Commission, affirmed Nasilasila’s observations, noting that his team has been impressed by the insights gathered from rural consultations. He remarked on the widespread misconception that urban residents possess more knowledge, suggesting that the voices from villages provide invaluable perspectives often overlooked in formal political discourse.
Further reflections from previous consultations highlight a similar sentiment where residents across Fiji are advocating for a more constituency-focused electoral model. Residents believe that a system allowing them to vote for familiar candidates who understand local issues could foster deeper engagement and strengthen democratic participation.
As discussions continue, there is hope that the push for reform will lead to a more inclusive electoral process. By bridging the gap between voters and their representatives, the reforms may help revitalize faith in the electoral system and foster a political landscape where every citizen’s voice can be genuinely reflected in governance. Through community engagement and responsiveness, the foundation for a more resilient democracy in Fiji can be established.
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