Jon Apted, a former supervisor of elections and constitutional lawyer, has expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of current laws for Local Government elections. During a panel discussion hosted by Dialogue Fiji, he stated that these regulations could hinder the electoral process.
Apted criticized an amendment made to the law last year, which allowed candidates to be nominated either as representatives of registered political parties or as independents. He noted a historical distinction in how elections are conducted in larger cities compared to smaller municipalities, where political parties typically show little interest.
He pointed out that the requirement for 5,000 signatures to register as a political party creates a significant barrier, alongside other reporting obligations. Apted highlighted that political parties serve as the only access point for Local Government candidacy, making it challenging for individuals, particularly women from smaller towns, to gain visibility and support within the party structures.
He questioned how candidates from less prominent backgrounds could attract attention from established parties, suggesting that women in areas like Savusavu or Sigatoka face particular difficulties. Apted emphasized the need for greater effort within Local Government municipalities to encourage women to engage with political party leaders and promote their candidacy.
He urged that if individuals want to participate in politics, they must proactively make themselves known to party leaders. Apted called for women, political parties, and NGOs to reach out to the Government and the Minister for Elections, advocating for their input on upcoming regulations that will dictate the electoral framework.