Fijians with dual citizenship should be allowed to contest future elections.
This call was made by Volau Sainikinadi, who argued that dual citizens, many of whom reside overseas, were capable and willing to contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s development.
While making this submission to the Electoral Law Reform Commission in Lovoni, Levuka, Mr Sainikinadi said Fiji’s laws should provide for everyone “under the flag.”
“I think we have a lot of people overseas who are highly qualified, and I think they can contribute a lot to the development of our country,” Mr Sainikinadi said.
However, commissioner Deidre Brookes noted that previous consultations across the country have reflected widespread concern over the eligibility of dual citizens running for office.
“In a lot of our consultations, people have brought up concerns about dual citizens standing as candidates,” Ms Brookes said.
“Because if something goes wrong here, they’ll run away to the other country and leave the problem behind.”
She then invited further discussion on how such concerns might be addressed.
In response, Mr Sainikinadi suggested introducing specific legal provisions that would allow dual citizens to stand for elections under certain conditions.
Ms Brookes said the submission would be considered.
