THE current electoral laws are preventing Rotumans and other minority groups from having a seat in Parliament, according to retired schoolteacher Ralifo Nasario.
During a public consultation with the Fiji Law Reform Commission on Rotuma this week, Mr Nasario called for the introduction of reserved seats to ensure representation for minority groups.
He said the communal voting system must be reintroduced or amended to “level the plain” for smaller communities like Rotuma.
“There should be reserved seats for minority groups,” Mr Nasario said.
“Unfortunately, we were not elected.
“A few candidates stood for the election, including Rotuman national Dr John Fatiaki, but we still didn’t manage to secure a seat.”
He said the current electoral framework puts minority groups at a disadvantage, making it difficult for their voices to be heard in national decision-making.
“If the communal role keeps going like this, it’s very hard for us to get in our seat as a minority.
“But at least we should have a seat by right.
“If we use reserved seats, we have a chance of somebody to represent us.”
