Cabinet has endorsed a series of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2014 aimed at making Fiji’s electoral system more inclusive, accessible and transparent.
The proposed amendments seek to remove requirements that may unnecessarily prevent eligible voters from participating in elections while also introducing changes designed to improve access to voting.
Among the key proposed changes are:
-Removal of unnecessary voting requirements
-Expanded eligibility for postal voting
-Improved accessibility for persons with disabilities.
-Stronger electoral quality assurance measures
-Greater clarity around electoral procedures.
-Measures to create a more level playing field for political parties
-Clearer rules for referendum campaigning
-A revised ballot paper format
The proposed changes form part of efforts to strengthen Fiji’s electoral framework and address barriers that could affect voter participation.
A significant focus is on accessibility, with the proposed expansion of postal voting and measures for persons with disabilities intended to provide more opportunities for eligible voters to participate.
Changes to the ballot paper are also proposed, with the new format intended to make candidate and political party identification clearer for voters at polling stations.
The proposed amendments will also address the regulatory environment surrounding political parties and referendum campaigns.
Cabinet said the overall objective is to ensure Fiji’s electoral processes remain accessible, transparent and clear for voters.
