In a move to broaden democratic participation, Cabinet has approved reforms that will, for the first time, allow residents of iTaukei villages situated inside municipalities — and within a two-kilometre radius of municipal boundaries — to vote in Local Government Elections.
The decision follows Cabinet’s endorsement of by-laws formally incorporating these villages into municipal areas, along with Orders redefining municipal ward boundaries to include them.
Cabinet also approved the Nadi Town Wards (Extension) Order 2025 as part of the nationwide adjustments.
The changes ensure iTaukei communities that have long existed within or beside towns are now formally recognised in the municipal system, granting thousands of residents access to representation previously unavailable under existing regulations.
All By-laws and Orders will be gazetted this month, setting the stage for the next Local Government Elections in September 2026.
The reforms mark a significant shift toward more inclusive governance and ensure iTaukei village residents have a direct voice in shaping town and city affairs.
