The body constitutionally charged to ensure Fiji holds a free and fair elections had expressed its concern at the rushed manner in which the review of the electoral ways is being undertaken.
The Electoral Commission met on February 20, 2025, and agreed to express its concern in a letter to the Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Prof Biman Prasad were copied in this correspondence.
“The Electoral Commission has written to its line Minister (Minister of Justice) copied the Hon PM, DPM and Minister for Finance, and the Attorney-General raising serious concerns regarding the timeline of the Electoral Laws review,” stated the EC in a decision that was posted on its website.
“The commission is of the view that the compressed timeline might compromise the quality of the draft legislation.
“It was important to ensure that public consultations are comprehensive and inclusive, not rushed or limited to select stakeholders only,” said the EC.
However, it seems this letter from the EC was not given serious consideration as government went ahead and appointed a four-person review committee on March 20.
The Electoral Commission chairman, Justice Usaia Ratuvili was also present at this launch.
Justice Ratuvili acknowledged the compressed timeline for the review but assured everyone that the Electoral Commission would provide full support to the Commissioners.
“This marks the beginning of an important journey to reform our election laws, ensuring that our democracy continues to evolve in a way that is fair, transparent, and truly representative of all Fijians,” Justice Ratuvili had said.
