Dialogue Fiji is calling on the Government to revise critical elements of the National Referendum Bill 2025, highlighting significant legal and constitutional concerns. Executive Director Nilesh Lal expressed that the current wording of the Bill severely restricts public advocacy, civic education, and engagement from ordinary citizens on referendum matters.
Particularly concerning is Section 23, which Mr. Lal points out criminalizes efforts to influence how individuals might vote, thus granting the Supervisor of Elections excessive control over all referendum-related materials. This clause also prohibits citizens from utilizing banners, advertisements, or symbols to express their views during the referendum process.
Mr. Lal emphasized that no referendum legislation in established democracies has imposed such sweeping limitations. He argued that public scrutiny and debate are fundamental to ensuring that referendums are conducted fairly and openly.
Furthermore, Dialogue Fiji stressed the urgency of conducting genuine public consultations and making thoughtful revisions before proceeding with any legislative actions. The organization cautioned that without these changes, Fiji risks becoming the only democratic nation where citizens could face imprisonment for articulating their opinions regarding a referendum. This situation raises alarm about the fundamental rights of citizens to participate freely in the democratic process, underscoring the need for a more open and participatory approach to governance.