The name change law was a political move by the previous administration as a means of voter suppression.

This is according to Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali.

Ms Ali was making submissions at the review of the name change policy public consultations held at the Suva Civic Centre yesterday.

The name change policy was implemented by amendments to the Interpretation Act and the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012 (Acts) in 2021.

The Electoral Registration of Voters Amendment Act required the application for registration as a voter to state the person’s full name as specified on his or her birth certificate and to also be accompanied by his or her birth certificate.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a post cabinet meeting press conference last month announced cabinet’s decision to review the name change policy implemented by amendments to the Interpretation Act and the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012 (Acts) in 2021.

This amendment created a lot of criticism when it was tabled and passed in parliament in 2021.

While speaking yesterday Ms Ali said they had evidence at the Fiji Women’s Crisis center that showed women were beaten up because they decided to change their names to the name on their birth certificate because of this name change law.

“It is ridiculous for women to take their spouses name and insert that in the birth certificate and take away their family name,” she said in her submission.

“I support that it should be repealed!”

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