The announcement that municipal council elections may be delayed has been met with shock and disappointment, with the Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association expressing concern that taxpayers’ money and public resources have already been used in preparation work.
Association president Narayan Reddy, who had publicly announced his intention to contest, said the uncertainty surrounding the polls reflected poor planning, especially as preparations were already underway.
“If it doesn’t happen, it’s a waste of resources, waste of money, and Government has wasted taxpayers’ money,” he said.
Responding to comments by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on the issue, he said the shifting timelines will cause confusion and frustration among voters and aspiring candidates.
“This is very, very sad. If they (Government) are using the fuel crisis excuse, at the moment there is no fuel crisis in Fiji.
“People are getting fuel, yes, it is expensive, but people are finding means to reduce their travel.”
Mr Reddy said the delay was particularly concerning given that municipal councils have not been elected for about 17 years.
He said in the same manner previous governments faced criticism over delays, the current administration would now be confronting similar questions.
“We all have a habit of blaming the previous government, but if the current government does not hold the elections, then there is no difference.”
Mr Reddy said the Coalition Government had sufficient time within its four-year term to properly organise the elections.
“Four years is a long time to do things.”
He said many residents had welcomed promises to restore elected local government.
“There were high hopes that municipal councils would be returned to the ratepayers where they truly belonged.”
