The reform of local government laws will include changes to the number of wards and councillors.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the process was setting the stage for the country’s first municipal elections in nearly 20 years.
Mr Nalumisa raised the issue during a talanoa session for an update on the promised municipal elections.
Mr Nalumisa said the Government had reviewed the Local Government Act and compared key components with those of Australia and New Zealand.
“These reforms are about ensuring Fijians have a real voice in local governance,” the minister said.
Changes include the number of wards and councillors to make the system fairer, more transparent, and accountable.
He said civic education has started across municipalities and would continue for the next two months before moving to voter registration.
“We are preparing citizens to actively participate and make their voices heard in the first local government elections in decades.”
However, Mr Nalumisa did not give an exact date on when the long-overdue elections will be held.
