The Electoral Commission has clarified the role of Independent Members of Parliament and their involvement in the formation of new political parties.
EC Chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili said the Commission carefully considered the issue and confirmed that existing laws do not prohibit Members of Parliament from joining other political parties or proposed political parties.
“The Commission notes that there are no provisions in the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, or the Electoral Act 2014 that explicitly restrict Members of Parliament from joining other political parties or proposed political parties,” Justice Ratuvili said.
“Where a political party has been deregistered and has representatives already elected to Parliament, such representatives shall continue to serve the remainder of their term as independent members of Parliament or as members of other political parties.”
Based on this provision, the Commission confirmed that MPs from deregistered political parties are legally required to serve the remainder of their term either as Independent MPs or as members of other political parties.
Justice Ratuvili added that such MPs are also permitted to participate in the formation of a new political party, as long as they comply with the law.
“Members of Parliament may be involved in the formation of a new political party, provided that they are members of only one political party at any given time, in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Electoral Commission reiterated its role in ensuring clarity and public confidence in Fiji’s electoral system.
“The EC reiterates its commitment to upholding the Constitution and electoral laws of the Republic of Fiji, and to providing clarity on electoral and political party matters in the public interest,” Justice Ratuvili said.
