Should Fiji change its voting system? Should political parties need a minimum threshold to enter Parliament? Should there be reserved seats for women, and should men be allowed to vote in women-only races? Should prisoners, mental health patients, or dual citizens have voting rights?
These are among key questions being put to the public for their feedback as Fiji launches nationwide consultations on electoral legislative reform.
The consultation, led by the newly appointed Fiji Law Reform Commission, chaired by retired Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, aims to gather public input on important electoral laws. These include the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act 2013, the Electoral Act 2014, and the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012.
Fatiaki said that the consultation would not be a mere formality but a genuine effort to incorporate public opinion into the commission’s recommendations.
“This is about giving power back to the people. We are here to listen,” he said.
Among the key questions Fijians are being asked to consider are:
- Should votes be counted at polling stations or remain centralised?
- Should NGOs be allowed to observe elections?
- Should prisoners, mental health patients, or dual citizens have voting rights?
- Should ballot papers include candidate names and party symbols instead of just numbers?
- Should Parliament be expanded, and should Fiji reintroduce a Senate?
- Should vacant parliamentary seats be filled by by-elections or party lists?
- Should voting be compulsory?
In addition to in-person consultations, the commission is accepting written submissions through an online portal, email, post, and hand-delivery to its Suva office. The deadline for submissions is 9 May 2025.
The government has also released a schedule covering both urban centres and remote maritime areas to ensure broad participation. Consultation materials will be available in English, iTaukei, and Hindi to maximise accessibility.
Appointed this month, the commission comprises Professor Wadan Narsey, Dr. Deidre Brooks, and Seini Nabou. At the completion of their work, the commission will submit a final report, draft bills, and regulations to the Attorney General and the Minister for Justice.
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