The submissions regarding the National Referendum Bill commenced today in Parliament, overseen by the Standing Committee on Justice and Law. On the first day, three notable submissions were made by representatives from the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM), and Dialogue Fiji.
The FLP expressed strong concerns regarding several provisions of the National Referendum Bill, arguing that these aspects infringe upon fundamental freedoms and the democratic right of citizens to engage in open discussions regarding referendum issues. Dr. Sunil Kumar, a board member of the FLP, urged the removal of restrictive clauses and called for a well-defined campaign period. He emphasized that the referendum process should foster wide public participation, suggesting the introduction of stringent regulations to limit government spending and prevent the misuse of state resources for promoting biased narratives.
Nilesh Lal, the Director of Dialogue Fiji, echoed these sentiments by advocating for amendments to clauses 22, 23, and 27 of the bill, asserting that their current wording does not support democratic values. Lal proposed the formation of an independent body to draft the referendum questions, ensuring that the process is inclusive and representative of the public’s voice.
The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement highlighted potential risks associated with the proposed draft, particularly warning that it might criminalize ordinary advocacy and stifle public discourse. Shayal Nand, Team Leader of FWRM’s Gender and Transitional Justice Program, stressed the importance of revising sections 22 and 23, which she believes could deter public engagement in democratic processes and silence women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice and Law, noted that a decision on tabling the Bill during the April parliamentary session cannot be assured at this time. The committee aims to ensure that the entire process is conducted thoroughly and transparently.
Public submissions will continue for two more days, and the committee plans to visit various divisions and rural areas to gather additional insights from different communities, further enriching the democratic dialogue surrounding this key legislation.