CRC Proposes No Major Electoral Law Changes Nine Months Before Elections

Major changes to Fiji’s electoral laws would be restricted in the final nine months of a parliamentary term under recommendations by the Constitution Review Commission.

The Commission has proposed new constitutional safeguards around elections, including provisions for a caretaker government and greater predictability over when elections are held.

Under the proposal, major electoral law changes would be restricted during the nine months before the end of Parliament’s term.

The proposed Constitution would also set Parliament’s ordinary term at four years, providing a clearer timeframe for when a general election is due.

A caretaker government arrangement would apply around the election period, placing limits on the outgoing Government’s exercise of executive power while the country goes to the polls.

The recommendations form part of wider electoral reforms proposed by the Commission, including a new mixed-member proportional voting system, constituency seats and the return of a Senate.

The recommendations have not been adopted as law. Cabinet has endorsed the tabling of the Commission’s report in Parliament but says this does not amount to acceptance of all its recommendations.