PM Dismisses Reserved Parliamentary Seats for Women

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed calls from women’s rights groups to legislate a 30% parliamentary quota for women, stating there is no current need for such a measure.

“There is no need to legislate it. We do not have a compulsory voting legislation, nor do we yet need a quota-based system,” he said in response to a question in The Fiji Times (April 19, p.13).

Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the Prime Minister’s stance, suggesting it would have been prudent to await the findings of the Law Reform Commission before making such a definitive statement.

Women’s groups, long advocating for greater female representation in Parliament, are expected to be disappointed by the PM’s comments.

However, Mr. Chaudhry expressed confidence in their continued advocacy. “Being as articulate and passionate as they are about their cause, I think the fight is far from over,” he said.

Noting that women make up approximately 50% of the electorate but remain underrepresented in Parliament, Mr. Chaudhry highlighted the potential value of revisiting the Ghai Commission’s draft constitution.

Chaudhry called for its revival as a way to resolve ongoing constitutional challenges, as Fiji navigates toward what could become its fifth Constitution since gaining independence 55 years ago.