JUSTICE Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga has defended the Government’s decision to fast-track three electoral reform Bills, saying the urgency was driven by Fiji’s approaching election.
Mr Turaga moved in Parliament for the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026, the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures Amendment Bill 2026 and the Electoral Registration of Voters Amendment Bill 2026 to be considered without delay.
He said the reforms were necessary to modernise Fiji’s electoral framework, strengthen transparency and address issues identified through consultations and observer reports.
“There’s a reason why it was brought under Standing Order 51, because of the urgency,” Mr Turaga said.
“It’s election year.”
He said the proposed changes had broad political support and would make the electoral system more open while strengthening accountability.
“Most of the issues that Honourable Usamate referred to, they basically are common. The other party, this party, the three parties, they agree that there should be a change in which elections are conducted.”
Mr Turaga acknowledged concerns about the limited timeframe but said the committee had about a month to deliberate on the legislation.
“I’m sure you will come to an agreement.”
Responding to Mr Usamate’s concerns that Parliament needed more time for its own consultations, Mr Turaga said the Bills were interconnected and committee members had significant experience.
“The bills are related. And the members are from a lived experience.
“I believe that through the experience of this committee, they have been dedicated, committed to the work that they have done the last three years.”
All three motions were agreed to without opposition, with the Bills referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights for consideration before the September sitting.
