Not everyone deserves to stand in elections, says Oinafa resident Filipe Makrava.
Instead, he believes political credibility should be a non-negotiable requirement for anyone seeking a seat in Parliament.
He told the Fiji Law Reform Commission’s public consultation on Rotuma that a clear set of qualifications for all election candidates, emphasising that integrity, not wealth or social status, must be the foundation of public service.
“If a person is not qualified under the whole system to become a member of Parliament, then that person should not win,” Mr Makrava said.
He made the comments in response to discussions around reserved seats for women, but he widened the conversation to include all aspiring MPs.
Mr Makrava argued that the current system, which allows individuals to contest with minimal vetting beyond a $5000 nomination fee, risks putting unfit candidates into positions of national leadership.
“It is not about money.
“It’s about the credibility of a person that will become an MP after the election.
“We do not want somebody who, after elections, hangs dirty laundry out in public.”
Mr Makrava urged the Elections Office to develop firm eligibility criteria for political hopefuls, a checklist that should apply equally to all political parties and candidates.
“If we want to have a credible Parliament, we start from scratch.
“Your status in society will not take you to Parliament to make you a better citizen.”
