A social justice network has questioned the effectiveness of Government’s outreach after poor turnout was recorded at key public consultations this week.
The Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) said low turnout of public participation was noted in the review of the Electoral Act 2014, the Code of Conduct Bill, the Access to Information Bill, and the Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill.
A statement from the organisation said this served as a clear indication of the Government’s significant failure to promote awareness prior to the initiation of these consultations.
“SEEP calls on the Government to implement comprehensive translations in local languages and to enhance awareness through television and radio broadcasts regarding the consultations,” the organisation said.
“The fundamental question remains: why did the Government wait over two years to initiate these essential legal reforms? Is this merely a political manoeuvre as we approach the 2026 General Elections? Are they hastily addressing this now to fulfill their political manifesto?”
The organisation said Government must adopt a more proactive, people-centred strategy that prioritised the needs of the populace, rather than resorting to impulsive responses.
