Concerns are mounting regarding the delay in presenting the Fiji Electoral Law Reform Report to Parliament, as highlighted by Professor Wadan Narsey, a prominent member of the Electoral Review Team. In a recent column for the Fiji Times, he criticized the government’s inaction in facilitating public discussion about the report amidst ongoing legal proceedings. Narsey stressed that the report should have been brought before Parliament or made public to encourage needed debate and modifications.
The review committee has suggested implementing a Proportional Open List Constituency System (POLCS) aimed at enhancing the electoral framework, which would reorganize Fiji into 25 constituencies, including five maritime seats. However, Narsey indicated that this proposal could be adjusted to 20 constituencies. He expressed concern that internal resistance within the Fiji Elections Office might be causing delays in these proposed changes, suggesting that some senior officials may be reluctant to embrace POLCS due to the increased workload compared to the existing electoral system.
Furthermore, Narsey pointed out that the Fiji Electoral Commission holds the authority to employ new staff if current employees are resistant to adapting to the proposed electoral processes. He also speculated that political self-interest could be contributing to the delay, questioning if the current Coalition Government is receiving advice that favors maintaining the existing electoral system amid the proposed reforms.
Narsey warned against allowing political self-interest to hinder progress, stating that it would be detrimental to Fiji’s democratic principles. He expressed that it would be “tragic” if such motivations are behind the government’s reluctance to table the report and engage in public discourse, which he believes is strongly desired by the electorate.
This situation reflects the growing tensions within Fiji’s political landscape, where calls for electoral reform are becoming increasingly prominent. Commission chairman Daniel Fatiaki has previously voiced disappointment regarding the government’s management of the electoral reform process, highlighting a lack of transparency and delays in tabled recommendations, despite the public’s clear demand for change following extensive consultations.
Looking forward, there is cautious hope that these reforms, if addressed promptly, can significantly enhance civic engagement and foster a political environment that more accurately represents the needs of all Fijians. The current discussions surrounding electoral reforms signify a pivotal moment for Fiji’s democracy, bridging the gap between government actions and public representation, and underscoring the necessity of inclusive governance. This potential for reform embodies a positive step towards a more representative and democratic Fiji.