A recent public consultation regarding the Code of Conduct Bill, Access to Information Bill, and the Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill in Korovou, Tailevu, saw a disappointing turnout, as only a small number of community members attended. Chairperson Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure expressed surprise at the low participation, especially since information about the consultations had been circulated widely in the preceding week. He noted the importance of public involvement in shaping these governance bills, which he emphasized are vital for promoting accountability and transparency.
Despite the lower-than-expected attendance, Vakalalabure affirmed that the consultation would continue, inviting community feedback and assuring that all views gathered during the session would be considered in the committee’s deliberations. He reported receiving calls from individuals in rural areas eager to participate and highlighted plans to adjust the consultation process accordingly.
In follow-up to this session, the committee is scheduled to conduct further consultations in Navua and other locations across Fiji over the next three weeks. This ongoing engagement aims to include a broader range of perspectives in the legislative process, thereby enhancing the framework’s relevance and effectiveness.
This initiative to stimulate public discourse around crucial governance issues reflects a wider trend in Fiji, as similar consultations have been organized in regard to electoral reforms and potential reconciliation efforts. Such engagement is a hopeful indication of the government’s commitment to fostering a more transparent political environment that prioritizes citizen input. By participating in these processes, citizens have the opportunity to influence laws that affect their lives, building a more accountable and participatory democracy.
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