Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has criticized the Government for hastily implementing the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which he argues attempts to replicate the framework of Parliamentary Elections in Fiji. Apted made his remarks during a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji focused on women’s participation in local government elections.
He highlighted that local government elections differ significantly from parliamentary elections, emphasizing that the new Amendment Act mandates that candidates must be nominated by a political party or run as independents.
Apted noted the historical distinctions in electoral dynamics between larger municipalities and smaller towns. In major cities like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi, elections are fiercely contested by political parties aiming to secure funding for local services and infrastructure improvements. Conversely, small towns often do not attract political party interest, as local issues tend to resonate more with grassroots individuals or ratepayers who prioritize community concerns over political ambitions.
According to Apted, the newly enacted law presents hurdles for potential candidates, creating barriers to participation in local elections. He expressed concern that the current legislation is not appropriate, declaring it an obstacle that complicates the electoral process and makes it challenging for candidates to understand how to navigate local elections effectively.