Submissions on the proposed Referendum Bill have cautioned against adopting what was described as regressive and outdated referendum models, urging Fiji to instead align itself with international best democratic practices.
Making the submission, Nilesh Lal, executive director of Dialogue Fiji, said Fiji has long aspired to a more liberal and inclusive democratic system — an ambition that has featured prominently in national discussions for more than a decade.
“It is good to aspire to those democratic ideals,” the submission stated, “but replicating provisions from some of the worst referendum legislation in the world is certainly not a good idea,” he said.
Particular concern was raised about references to Singapore’s 1962 referendum, which was cited as a widely acknowledged example of how a referendum should not be conducted.
“Sixty years later, we should not be copying anything from laws that led to such a referendum and then using that same framework to defend what is now being proposed.”
Lal argued that Fiji has access to far better comparative models, pointing to Vanuatu’s 2024 referendum as a positive example that contributed to greater political stability.
According to the submission, the Vanuatu process was internationally praised because it allowed unrestricted civic education and campaigning.
“There were no restrictions on civic education and no restrictions on campaigning,” he said.
The submitter added that if Fiji’s Melanesian neighbours are capable of conducting internationally respected referendums, Fiji should be able to meet — and even exceed — those standards.
“If our Melanesian brothers are able to do something that is internationally praised, I’m sure we can do way better,” Mr Lal said.
