Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, has announced that consultations will soon take place regarding proposed changes to the number of councillors for each municipality ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections, scheduled for 2025.
Minister Nalumisa met with representatives from the Electoral Commission last week to discuss necessary preparations for the elections. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to assisting the Ministry in ensuring compliance with electoral processes.
The consultations aim to gather input from a wide array of stakeholders, including residents, political parties, youth groups, municipal councils, and relevant organizations. “This engagement will help the ministry better understand the concerns and needs of these stakeholders,” Nalumisa stated, underscoring the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process.
These consultations are part of broader efforts to revitalize local democracy in Fiji, which saw its last local government elections in 2005. Since then, councils have been overseen by appointed administrators. As the Ministry and the Fiji Elections Office prepare, it is essential to address discrepancies in municipal ward documentation to ensure equitable representation and resource allocation.
The upcoming elections offer a hopeful opportunity for Fiji to strengthen community engagement and ensure that citizen voices are heard in local governance. The government’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing democratic practices and empowering local communities.
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