Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has called for the current proportional electoral system to be retained for the 2026 elections, and that major electoral reforms should instead be left to the next government.
Amid concerns over the timing of key national processes, he said Government appeared to be rushing significant policy and governance work as the country moves closer to the next general election.
“The local government election was one of the many promises that this Government said it would fulfil early in its term, but three and a half years on, we are still not sure of the actual date,” he said.
Mr Narube said the country was not adequately prepared for the exercise, given the long gap since the last municipal polls.
“This education and awareness must be comprehensive and will take time.”
He stressed that voters must clearly understand the first-past-the-post ward system, which differs from the national electoral system.
He also questioned the practicality of holding both local government and general elections within a short timeframe, saying it would place pressure on “fragile finances” and strain national capacity, particularly amid ongoing fuel supply concerns that could affect logistics.
On proposed electoral reforms by the Electoral Commission, including the size of Parliament and reserved seats for women, he said these issues require wider public consultation before any implementation.
He also raised concerns about the constitutional review process and the possibility of a referendum being held close to elections, warning it could impact fairness and voter judgement.
“It appears that the Government has finally woken up to the fact that elections are around the corner and it is trying its very best to start these significant events within the short window that it has.”
“We must not be fooled.”
