Seven women have filed an application for constitutional redress seeking various declarations in respect of the recent amendments to the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act and the Interpretation Act.

The women claim, in part, that the amendments are an unnecessary and disproportionate limitation on their constitutional rights, in particular – their right to personal privacy, political rights and right to equality and freedom from discrimination.

The plaintiffs include, Yashmin Nisha, Adi Asilina Davila Toganivalu, Lavinia Rose Bernadette Rounds Ganilau, Shiromani Priscilla Singh, Elizabeth Catherine Reade Fong, Leba Seni Nabou Khan and Salote Raikolo Qalo.

They are represented by former Supervisor of Elections, Jon Apted of Suva law firm, Munro Leys.

They also claim that the laws adversely and disproportionality affect women to men and married to single women.

The matter was called before the High Court in Suva yesterday.

The court heard that Munro Leys Lawyer, Jon Apted, has carriage of the case and has filed a Motion and each of the seven Plaintiffs have filed their respective Affidavits.

The Attorney-General, Supervisor of Elections and the State, who are defendants in the matter, have been given time to file their Affidavit in Opposition, after which the Plaintiffs are to respond to the Affidavit and parties are to file submissions.

The matter is scheduled for Hearing on February 24, 2022 at 10:30am.

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