THE Electoral Law Reform Commission believes the next general election will be held under the existing electoral system despite concluding public consultations aimed at reforming it.
Commission chairman and former High Court judge Daniel Fatiaki expressed disappointment with the Government for not tabling its report in Parliament three months after concluding the consultations.
The report was given to Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and members of the commission on July 9 this year.
“We’re disappointed that three full months after receiving our report, the Government has not seen fit to table it in Parliament or release it for public information and discussion,” Mr Fatiaki said.
“The existing system was heavily criticised during our wide public consultations held throughout Fiji and Rotuma in undertaking our electoral law reform work.
“Such criticisms included the Sudoku-style ballot paper with hundreds of numbers and no candidates’ names, photos, or party symbols, and the absence of an identifiable MP who represented and was accountable to the voters of his community.”
Justice Ministry permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca confirmed receiving the report, accompanying draft bills and regulations.
“The process we are currently going through is a mandatory requirement of the law,” she said.
“We thank the commissioners led by Justice Fatiaki for maintaining confidentiality and that we request that we allow that legal process to be completed,” Ms Kuruleca said.
“We have set timelines and have every intention of meeting them. The legal and parliamentary processes and vetting must be allowed to be completed. The decision is Government’s and we will await their decision.”
Mr Fatiaki said the high 5 per cent threshold was also criticised as members of the public described the counting system as one of gross inequality and unfairness in which candidates with a mere hundred votes could become MPs with the help of a ‘Big Man’, while other candidates with thousands of votes were excluded from Parliament.
“There was also a uniform and consistent call for more women parliamentarians as well as separate representation for the smaller maritime zone islands and island groups who experienced unique problems and were often overlooked.
“The overwhelming majority called for the removal of the 2013 Constitution. Our report addressed each of these including an electoral system that did not require amendment of the 2013 Constitution.”
Mr Fatiaki said they have not heard from the Government since submitting the report.
“We hope the report is made public as it responds to the public views and opinions about the existing electoral system.
“There are still 14 months left until the next general election as required under the 2013 Constitution. We believe that the time is enough to implement the new electoral system we recommended as there is no need for a fresh registration of voters.”
