Conducting a local government election in Fiji is challenging because of its complex socio-political landscape, diverse ethnic makeup and historical contexts, says Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa.
Mr Nalumisa told Parliament yesterday that local elections required substantial efforts to educate and mobilise voters while ensuring compliance with electoral laws and fostering political stability in a fragile democratic environment.
In response to a question by Opposition MP Jone Usamate, Mr Nalumisa said the municipal elections would be held in the next financial year.
Mr Nalumisa said that while there had been challenges, the Government was making progress with its preparations and intended to stage the elections in the next financial year in 2025.
“The date will be confirmed upon consultation with the Fiji Elections Office and the Electoral Commission,” Mr Nalumisa said.
He said the ministry, in partnership with stakeholders, had reviewed and amended the Local Government Act of 1972 to align with current policies and framework.
“This was a significant accomplishment achieved not only by the Ministry of Local Government alone, but with the invaluable support of the Fijian Elections Office, the office of the Solicitor General, all municipal councils, and key partners such as the International Foundation for Electrical Systems (IFES) and IDEA International.
“In 2023, the ministers commenced work on the purpose of Local Government elections. This includes action plans formulated by the assigned voting group, which has planned activities and timelines for the same.”
He said the ministry had been vocal about the Government’s plan to hold local government elections, emphasising the importance of local democracy and the need to empower communities.
However, Mr Nalumisa noted that a major drawback has been the discrepancies in the municipal wards.
“The lack of proper documentation for transfer wards in few municipal councils has also caused delays in the finalisation of wards. This imbalance can lead to unequal representation and resource allocation affecting the effectiveness of local governments. As we speak, the ministry in consultation with our municipal councils is in the final stage of ironing out the logistical details for the upcoming elections.”
Mr Nalumisa said the focus was on establishing policies and procedures for the allocation of councillors to municipal wards to ensure a transparent and fair process.
“Once the ministry finalises all the technical requirements, the next phase will involve collaboration with the Fijian Elections Office and the Electoral Commission for the remaining process.”
On the issue of the inclusion of villages, Mr Nalumisa said it would require the approval of the iTaukei Affairs Board.
“These are villages with the landowners of towns and cities, hence, they have the right to participate in the process to elect councils.”
He said the last Local Government elections in Fiji were held in 2005. Since then municipal councils have been managed by appointed special administrators.
