The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is advocating for the abolition of a two-year residency requirement that currently prevents some iTaukei individuals from contesting in the general election. Chair of the GCC, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, expressed concerns that this existing law unfairly restricts those listed in the Vola ni Kawa Bula who may have spent time overseas for work or education.
Ratu Viliame argues that it is unreasonable to prohibit individuals from standing for election simply because they lived abroad for a period before returning home. According to current electoral laws, candidates must have resided in Fiji for a minimum of two years prior to qualifying to run for office. This provision, which was initially established by the previous administration, poses a significant disadvantage to eligible VKB members who are eager to engage in national leadership roles.
As the general election approaches and discussions surrounding constitutional reforms intensify, Ratu Viliame announced that the council plans to submit a formal resolution aimed at eliminating the residency requirement. This initiative is rooted in the principles of fairness and inclusion, with the GCC highlighting the importance of enabling indigenous Fijians to fully exercise their rights in the nation’s governance.
This proposal reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more inclusive political landscape, allowing all Fijian citizens the opportunity to participate in shaping their country’s future.