Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya addressed Parliament on the importance of integrity among individuals in positions of trust, emphasizing that actions outside their designated authority can severely undermine public confidence in the electoral system and any government. His remarks were made during the discussion on the joint report issued by the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office.
Koya recognized the legitimate concerns surrounding proposed declaration requirements but took the opportunity to address what he sees as a more pressing issue: public statements made prior to Cabinet approval. He argued that such behavior erodes trust in government institutions, echoing earlier sentiments shared by fellow MP Hon. Kamikamica about the need for accountability when officials overstep their bounds.
Expressing disappointment at the lack of decisive action against those who have exceeded their mandates, Koya remarked, “We haven’t seen too much action with respect to what has transpired,” highlighting how it affects the trustworthiness of the current government or any that may follow.
Despite concerns raised, Koya assured that the electoral report did not contain any hidden or adverse findings. “To be honest, Madam Deputy Speaker, there’s nothing in here that is adverse,” he stated, reaffirming the integrity of the report produced by the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office.
He also pointed out that more significant issues have surfaced from the Electoral Reform Commission’s findings, reinforcing the necessity for officials to strictly abide by their given authority. “When people act outside of that authority, it affects the whole system,” Koya mentioned.
In a spirit of cooperation, Koya urged members of Parliament from all sides to engage constructively with one another and heed the committee’s recommendations, asserting that they offer valuable insights that warrant serious consideration. “The committee has come up with some fairly good recommendations. Everybody should listen to it,” he concluded, promoting a call for unity in listening and implementing effective reforms for the benefit of the electoral system.