Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has criticized the government’s swift passage of the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which he argues improperly parallels the regulations governing Parliamentary Elections in Fiji. During a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji focusing on women’s participation in local government elections, Apted highlighted significant distinctions between local and parliamentary elections.
He explained that the Amendment Act mandates that candidates in local government elections be nominated either by a political party or run as independents. Apted pointed out that there has traditionally been a stark contrast between elections in major cities, like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi, and those in smaller municipalities.
“In larger towns, political parties compete fiercely for access to funding for public services and infrastructure, as well as lucrative contracts,” he noted. Conversely, Apted described smaller towns as places where the interest of grassroots individuals and ratepayers prevails, leading to a more democratic and responsive governance style.
He expressed concern that the new law creates obstacles, making it more challenging for potential candidates to enter local elections. “The current Amendment Act is inadequate and serves as a barrier. It complicates the process, as understanding the rules is essential for participation. This presents a significant hurdle for everyone involved,” Apted concluded.