VOTERS could be left in the dark about who is financing political parties under proposed changes to Fiji’s political donation laws.
Transparency and Integrity Fiji (TIF) program officer Tarusila Reniu said the proposed changes could create opportunities for ‘dark money’ influence, foreign interference and elite capture in domestic elections.
Ms Reniu made the submission to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights as it considers four election-related bills before Parliament.
“Bill 31, Clause 8 of the Political Party Act would remove existing limits on political donations and allow contributions from non-citizens and former Fiji citizens, provided they were declared within 60 days of polling day,” she said.
Ms Reniu said the 60-day disclosure period meant voters would cast their ballots without knowing which external or wealthy entities were financing candidates or political parties.
“This could allow donors to use financial backing to influence public policy or seek favourable treatment in administrative decisions.”
Ms Reniu also said post-poll disclosure would significantly reduce the ability of the media and civil society organisations such as TIF to scrutinise political funding before an election.
TIF has recommended reinstating strict caps on political donations and maintaining a total prohibition on foreign or non-citizen financing of political parties.
“However, if foreign or non-citizen contributions were allowed under a revised framework, Parliament should establish a real-time, searchable digital public registry of donors.”
She also called for comprehensive conflict-of-interest declarations for all candidates and elected officials.
Ms Reniu said any breach, non-declaration or omission involving foreign funding should automatically be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for prosecution under anti-corruption laws, including the Prevention of Bribery Act.
