DIALOGUE Fiji CEO Nilesh Lal recently championed the Open List Proportional Representation (OLPR) electoral system, asserting it enhances accountability and empowers voters. At a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Electoral Reform, Lal addressed criticisms suggesting that OLPR diminishes the relationship between representatives and their constituents. He emphasized that electoral results from 2014, 2018, and 2022 demonstrate that underperforming MPs were consistently voted out in subsequent elections.
“Evidence shows that non-performing MPs have been voted out,” Lal stated, highlighting that voters are now able to reward effective representatives. He contrasted OLPR with previous electoral systems, which often compelled voters to select candidates based on ethnicity or party affiliation rather than individual merit. According to Lal, this system now enables party supporters to choose from multiple candidates, thereby enhancing local representation.
This discussion aligns with ongoing concerns from political leaders and citizens regarding Fiji’s electoral structure, which many feel disconnects voters from their MPs. Former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki and constitutional lawyer Jon Apted have previously criticized the single national constituency model, pointing out its inadequacies in delivering local representation. They argue that past models facilitated closer relationships between constituents and their elected officials, fostering a more accountable government.
The prevailing sentiment among various stakeholders, including Lal and reform advocates, points toward an desire for an inclusive electoral system that resonates with the diverse voices of all Fijians. This ongoing dialogue creates an avenue for potential reforms, offering hope for a more representative governance structure that prioritizes accountability and citizen engagement.
Such discussions reflect a collective aspiration to enhance democracy in Fiji. As stakeholders continue to engage in talks about electoral reform, there is optimism that meaningful changes may emerge to create a system that truly serves the interests and needs of the populace.
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