Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has criticized the government’s hasty enactment of the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which attempts to replicate the framework of Parliamentary Elections in Fiji. During a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji on the topic of “Women Participation in a Local Government Election,” Apted emphasized the distinct differences between local government elections and parliamentary elections.
He pointed out that the Amendment Act mandates that candidates in local government elections must either be nominated by a political party or run as independents. Historically, elections in larger cities like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi have drawn significant interest from political parties competing for funding and contracts related to infrastructure and public services. In contrast, smaller towns often do not attract the same level of political party involvement, as local issues are more effectively addressed by community members who focus on the genuine concerns of residents.
Apted expressed his concerns that the new legislation obstructs the ability of some individuals to participate in local government elections. He believes the current law is unsuitable, creating obstacles that complicate the election process. “If you do not know the rules of the game, it is going to be very difficult to organize or predict how you are to play,” he stated, highlighting the significant barriers the new rules impose on potential candidates.