Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has criticized the Government’s decision to hastily implement the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2023, which he believes attempts to replicate the electoral regulations applicable to parliamentary elections in Fiji.
During a panel discussion organized by Dialogue Fiji on the topic of “Women Participation in a Local Government Election,” Apted emphasized that local government elections significantly differ from parliamentary elections. According to the Amendment Act, candidates vying for local government positions must either be nominated by a political party or run as independents.
Apted pointed out that there are notable disparities in how elections are conducted in larger municipalities compared to smaller towns. He explained that major cities like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi have historically become competitive arenas for political parties, primarily due to their access to resources for essential services like street lighting and waste management contracts. In contrast, smaller towns lack the same level of political interest, as the community tends to focus on local issues and grassroots concerns.
He argued that the new legislation serves as an obstacle for individuals seeking to participate in local government elections, asserting that the law complicates the nomination process and creates challenges for potential candidates.
Apted concluded by stating that the current Amendment Act is unsuitable for fostering democratic participation in local governance, making it challenging for individuals to understand the electoral process. He labeled this uncertainty as a significant barrier for all involved in local elections.