The Ministry of Local Government public consultation at the Nadi Civic Centre drew in members of the Nadi business community and residents.

The consultation review team gave the floor its suggestion on the Municipal Council Election and the Amendments to Local Government Act 1972 on Tuesday.

The four wards in the Nadi Town Council include Namaka, Martintar, Narewa and Nadi. The number of councilors serving in these wards are: Nadi – four councilors, Namaka- four, Martintar –three and Narewa- two.

A Nadi lawyer, Dorsami Naidu said council elections should be a priority.

“We haven’t had any election for 16 years. All these road issues and other issues will be dealt with. First we need to have a council election as soon as possible,” he said.

“Once the elected council comes in, we have a voice and they can do something.”

Mr Naidu also suggested if the council could elect a mayor.

“These councilors when they are elected they choose a mayor among them. The elected mayor should be someone who knows how to run a council and financial management,” he said.

“It would be good if you have a position of mayor separate from a council and the election of that mayor should be each person from all the wards should have a right to choose a mayor.”

Review team representative, Bindula Devi said the council will be electing a mayor according to the local government act.

Participant, Semi Leiwere asked for clarification for the position of the chief executive officer in the council.

Ms Devi responded that the CEO is appointed by the councilors.

“Councilors actually made the council. The CEO and the officers are the servants and officers of the councilors.”

Adi Bale Kurunavanua said anyone who wants to be in the council should be debt free from their rates.

Titilia Vuetaki suggested that the voting age for municipal elections should be revised.

“I feel strongly that we need an age that is able to make decisions. The 18-year-old is still in school. This is important to us to vote for councilors who look after our boundaries. I suggested if you could revise the age and look at 21 to be voting,” she said.

She also suggested that the population in the wards have been increasing and there is also a need to increase the councilors in that particular ward.

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