As discussions about electoral reform intensify across Fiji, there is a growing concern that many young voters are disengaging from the political process, not due to apathy, but rather from fear and disillusionment with the existing political system. Dr. Mosmi Bhim, an Assistant Professor at Fiji National University, highlighted these issues during the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Electoral Reform, noting that her students express a profound lack of trust in the political landscape which contributed to a mere 58 percent voter turnout among young voters in the 2022 elections.
Many youth remain silent during consultations, revealing an underlying fear that genuine change is not possible. “You can see we’re having all these consultations, but the same people, especially young people, are still not speaking out or taking part because they’re afraid, they don’t have faith in the system, and they don’t believe any real change has happened,” Dr. Bhim shared.
This issue of youth disengagement has been echoed by political figures, including Viliame Takayawa, General Secretary of SODELPA, who emphasized the need for educators to instill the importance of voting and civic involvement in young individuals. Unity Fiji Party Leader Savenaca Narube pointed out that the anxiety and disengagement reflect a broader attitude towards politics rather than a flaw in the political system itself.
The lack of participation from the younger generation stands in stark contrast to the demographic reality in Fiji, where two-thirds of the population is under the age of 30. This demographic predominance highlights the importance of engaging youth in meaningful political dialogue to ensure their interests and perspectives are represented.
The sentiments expressed in this article resonate with previous discussions about the necessity of electoral reform, as noted by Daniel Fatiaki, chairman of the Electoral Law Reform Commission. He emphasized the need for more inclusive consultations that can help reconnect young voters to the electoral process. These ongoing dialogues signify a hopeful path forward, promoting a political environment where every voice counts and reflecting a genuine shift towards a more inclusive democracy in Fiji.
In light of these challenges, fostering greater youth participation and addressing their unique concerns will be essential in revitalizing Fiji’s democratic process. Engaging young voters more robustly could pave the way for a more vibrant political culture, ultimately benefiting the country’s governance and future elections as they prepare for the next general election scheduled for next year.
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