The Government has addressed concerns regarding the National Referendum Bill 2025, firmly rejecting claims made by Dialogue Fiji that the proposed legislation is “undemocratic.” Officials clarified that the intent of the Bill is not to limit public discourse on referendum topics, but to ensure the referendum process remains fair, transparent, and orderly, in line with constitutional mandates.
In its response, the Government pointed out that the alleged restrictive offence provisions mentioned by Dialogue Fiji are consistent with existing electoral legislation and align with international norms. Furthermore, any provisions that might seem restrictive will be subjected to a thorough review process by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, which will welcome submissions from civil society organizations, the media, and the general public.
The Government emphasized the Bill’s role in fostering responsible public dialogue while protecting the referendum from potential misinformation and disinformation. Notably, any national referendum will be independently overseen by the Supervisor of Elections, and extensive public consultations are planned before any constitutional vote takes place.
The Government has urged the importance of proper communication channels, especially during media interactions, to prevent misinformation and clarify any public confusion. Reaffirming its dedication to transparency in law-making, the Government invited Dialogue Fiji to engage through established channels to help maintain public trust in the process.
This commitment to transparent engagement indicates a positive approach towards ensuring an informed and participatory democratic process in the lead-up to future referendums.
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