Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has criticized the Government for hastily passing the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which attempts to align local government election procedures with those of parliamentary elections in Fiji.
During a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji on the topic of women’s participation in local government elections, Apted emphasized the distinctions between local and parliamentary elections. He pointed out that the Amendment Act mandates candidates in local government elections to be either nominated by a political party or to run as independents.
Apted noted the historical differences in electoral dynamics between major cities and smaller towns, explaining that urban areas like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi often become hotbeds for political competition, with parties vying for control over funding for infrastructure and services. In contrast, smaller towns typically see less interest from political parties, where local residents often focus on community concerns and governance in a more democratic manner.
He expressed that the new legislation creates obstacles for potential candidates, making it challenging for individuals to stand for election or get nominated. Apted remarked that the current Amendment Act is unsuitable, suggesting it creates significant hurdles for individuals trying to navigate uncertain electoral rules. He concluded by emphasizing that this ambiguity presents a substantial barrier for all involved in the electoral process.