Trade unionists should remain apolitical as spelt out in the Constitution of Fiji, the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights stated in its Review report of the 2018 General Election Joint Report by the Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections that was tabled in Parliament last Wednesday.
The committee reviewed the provisions in the Political Parties Act regarding restrictions on public officers joining political parties.
“It was advised that there is no need to review the provisions of Section 14 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act and Section 57 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji as it clearly identifies the public office holders and restrictions placed on them.
“Section 57 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji has established and recognised the principle that public officer holders, which includes trade unions, should remain apolitical.
“The political participation of such persons is not restricted.
“Under the current legal framework, they have to surrender their appointment to take up office in political parties.
“This ensures that public office holders conduct their duties and functions and exercise their powers with utmost impartiality, in compliance with the existing laws of the country and without regard to any political or personal factor.”
