THE quality of submissions is much more important than the quantity, says Fiji Electoral Law Reform Commission chairperson Daniel Fatiaki.
Addressing members of the public at the commission’s first round of consultations in Nadi, Mr Fatiaki said the number of people who turned up to each session does not matter.
“It is not about the quantity but the quality,” he said.
“It does not really matter to me if there are 30 people or 50 or only five.
“I would rather have five people give quality submissions than 50 people who sit and just smile.
“So, we have the numbers (here) but a number of the times we don’t have the numbers.
“It does not matter to me, so ignore it.”
Mr Fatiaki said the commission was also encouraging participants to have engaging discussions about every aspect of Fiji’s electoral system.
“We try to have conversations, and we make sure to get a full response from people.
“Sometimes people are only interested in saying one thing and try to avoid questions.”
Mr Fatiaki said it was important for Fijians to share their opinions on the important issue.
“The fact that we are here is an indication that the Government itself has decided that after 15 or 16 years of going through a number of elections under this particular Constitution and with this particular electoral system, that it is time they went back to the people and ask them what they want.
“Because the last electoral system was essentially imposed on us without any consultations.”
