Ethnicity data could be reintroduced into Fiji’s electoral reporting to help improve voter turnout and strengthen national policy planning, Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga told Parliament.
Debating the Consolidated Review Report on the 2020-2022 Electoral Commission Annual Reports, Mr Turaga said removing ethnicity information from the system had weakened the ability to identify and address participation trends.
“For some reason, in a multicultural country like ours, someone decided it was best to remove ethnicity data,” he said.
“When you do that, you remove vital information that can inform national policies.
“This Government is committed to addressing that gap.”
Mr Turaga said the Electoral Commission had agreed to include the data in future reports to help shape voter engagement strategies.
He also backed the committee’s call for targeted voter registration drives, especially for students and voters living outside their home constituencies.
“The commission and the FEO will ensure that such measures are put in place so this situation does not repeat.
“It is common sense that people must be provided with the right tools.”
He said the changes were aimed at ensuring every eligible Fijian could participate fully in future elections.
Electoral law changes on the way
THERE will be changes to Fiji’s electoral laws, says Acting AttorneyGeneral and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, who confirmed that drafting work on proposed amendments is already underway.
“There is a bill that is already being drafted, I think it will require some close scrutiny before we actually push it,” Mr Turaga said in an interview with The Fiji Times.
“Look, you can’t just rush this through.”
He said the draft Electoral Amendment Bill was developed following public consultations and would go through the full government process before being finalised.
“The bill was drafted after consulting the members of the public and it will need to go through the proper government process.”
When asked about voter frustration over the pace of work, Mr Turaga said the ministry was aware of the concerns but assured that electoral reforms were being carefully handled.
“I understand. Look, we also know there is a strict timeline, there’s a lot of things going on.
“Let me assure you — there’ll be changes to the electoral laws.
A lot of consultation has been done.
“The aim is to make voting easier, freer, fun like before. All the restrictions will be taken away.
“Let me assure that.”
Mr Turaga said the Government’s approach to electoral reform was grounded in inclusivity.
“We are trying our utmost best. We will be able to deliver an election that is freer, fun and of course increased voter participation,” Mr Turaga said.
“If we follow the steps of consultation, we can ensure inclusivity. I’ve been to Wellington, Washington, and New York, and there were also consultations in Sydney.
“We’ve gathered issues raised by Fijians abroad to help strengthen participation.
“These are things we all know, but I have to make sure it is covered in the electoral reforms.”
Government acts to fix overseas voter access
SOME Fijians living overseas received their ballot papers only a day before the last election, a situation Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says must never happen again as the Government works to fix
gaps in voter registration and access.
Speaking during debate on the Consolidated Review Report on the 2020-2022 Electoral Commission Annual
Reports, Mr Turaga said the proposed amendments would help clarify voting procedures and strengthen confidence in the electoral system.
“I am pleased to inform this House that the review of the Electoral Act has been completed,” he said.
“The draft bills and regulations have been vetted by my office, and once all legal processes are completed, the Prime Minister and Cabinet will determine the next steps for tabling these in Parliament.”
He also said the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) had completed a series of voter awareness programs across Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, American Samoa, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, with outreach visits to
the US planned later this year.
“I am pleased to advise that the FEO has completed awareness and outreach programs… more than 1000 Fijians living abroad were assisted during these visits,” he said.
Mr Turaga said the ministry remained committed to ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral system.
“The FEO and the Electoral Commission remain committed to building greater transparency, inclusiveness, and confidence in Fiji’s electoral system, ensuring that every eligible Fijian has equitable access to the right to vote.”
