The Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP) is calling for stronger safeguards to monitor candidate eligibility under the proposed Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026, saying clearer rules are needed to protect confidence in Fiji’s electoral process.
SEEP research and policy officer Metuisela Gauna made the organisation’s submission on Tuesday, to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights at Kshatriya Hall in Labasa.
SEEP wants the Supervisor of Elections to be clearly designated as the authority responsible for monitoring whether candidates continue to meet eligibility requirements after nomination.
It is also calling for defined powers, processes and timelines for identifying breaches, along with an opportunity for candidates to be heard and an appropriate appeal mechanism.
SEEP said the Bill contains several positive reforms that could make Fiji’s electoral system more inclusive, accessible, transparent and fair.
These include removing the 48-hour campaign blackout, reducing the campaign-free zone from 300 metres to 100 metres, expanding postal voting and allowing assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
The organisation is also seeking stronger checks on recounts, supervisory decisions and electoral offences, including clearer appeal rights and proportionate penalties.
SEEP has also raised concerns about the time available to implement the reforms, saying two to three months may not be enough to train electoral officials, update systems and educate voters.
Mr Gauna called for a comprehensive public awareness campaign in iTaukei, Hindi, Rotuman and English.
SEEP says the reforms should be treated as a national endeavour and should strengthen every citizen’s right to vote, stand for office and participate in free and fair elections.
