The Electoral Commission has raised concerns about the growing number of Fiji citizens leaving the country for work and study, warning it could affect voter registration and turnout in future elections.
In its 2024 Annual Report, the Commission said it had deliberated on the increasing out-migration of Fijians, many of whom are travelling overseas under regional labour mobility schemes, work permits and student visas.
The Commission noted that the trend could have implications for voter education, voter registration and the ability of citizens abroad to exercise their right to vote.
To address this, the Commission said alternative voting methods may need to be explored, including electronic voting and telephone voting, to ensure overseas-based citizens can participate in elections.
It also suggested the possibility of extending the pre-polling period and allowing voters to register up until polling day, a system currently used in countries such as New Zealand.
The report also confirmed that the Commission reviewed of Fiji’s three national electoral laws—the Electoral Act 2014, the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, and the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
The review began in the last quarter of 2023, with the Commission assessing how the legislation could be improved.
In January, the Commission submitted its preliminary observations and recommendations on the electoral laws to the Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections, Siromi Turaga, and invited all political parties to provide their views.
The Commission also provided advice to the Attorney-General regarding potential dates for the next general election.
