The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, met with the Electoral Commission last week, as the preparatory works for the Local Government Elections are underway.
The Ministry of Local Government is rather pleased with the continuous support from the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office with respect to the most anticipated Local Government Elections.
“The Ministry of Local Government has been collaborating with the Electoral Commission on the fundamental aspects of the Local Government Elections in accordance with the requirements under the Local Government Act 1972. The Electoral Commission has been committed to providing the necessary assistance and approvals on the Ministry’s requests to ensure all the processes are complied with,” Minister Nalumisa stated.
He also mentioned that the meeting was imperative since the ministry had the opportunity to discuss the number of councillors that will be allocated to the different wards in the 13 municipalities.
The meeting was an opportune time for the ministry and the commissioners of the Electoral Commission to discuss the recent reforms to the Local Government Act 1972 in relation to the elections, Draft Local Government Elections Regulations and the rationale for the changes to the number of councillors for the respective municipal councils that range from small, medium and large councils.
“The Ministry, in coordination with the Fijian Elections Office and the Electoral Commission, ought to carry out consultations in terms of the proposed changes to the number of Councillors for each municipality.”
“The consultations should include the residents/ratepayers, political parties, youth groups, municipal councils, and relevant stakeholders. The consultations will allow the ministry to understand the concerns and needs of the stakeholders better.”
“Needless to say, the consultations will ensure a fair and transparent process whereby the voices of the stakeholders will be taken into consideration prior to the implementation of amended policies," said Minister Nalumisa.
The Ministry of Local Government remains positive about carrying out the Local Government Elections, as initially promised to the people of Fiji.