Minister for Local Government Macia Nalusima says preparations are underway for the return of democratically elected municipal councils, with voter registration set to begin in April — though no election date has yet been announced.
Speaking at a CEO Forum in Suva yesterday, Mr Nalusima said the Fijian Elections Office will commence voter education from mid-March, followed by voter registration in April as part of efforts to reinstate councils after 21 years.
“This is a critical year,” he said.
“Local Government Elections are not simply an event but a restoration of democratic local governance.”
Mr Nalusima said municipal councils must fully support the process by providing logistical assistance, sharing information and engaging communities, while coordinating with divisional commissioners and district officers.
He also reminded council chief executive officers that performance monitoring would be strengthened, calling for improved customer responsiveness, stronger enforcement in waste and development control, clean procurement and timely reporting.
Despite outlining preparatory steps, the minister did not indicate when municipal elections would be held, leaving the timeline for polling still unclear after more than two decades without elected councils.
