Pageant rules tightened for Fiji contestants

Miss India South Pacific organisers have announced major changes to its pageant format.

This includes a strict Fiji residency requirement, a new one-person-one-vote digital system, and an expanded prize package aimed at strengthening transparency and local participation.

Event Producer Dharmesh Parikh said the revised rules will ensure “true representation” of Fiji-based contestants, confirming that only women currently residing in Fiji will be eligible to compete.

He said the decision excludes overseas-based applicants and reinforces the pageant’s focus on authenticity and community identity.

“We are looking for true representation. The question is, are you in Fiji and do you reside here? Then you can enter,”  Mr Parikh said.

Under the new format, organisers will introduce a digital voting system where members of the public can vote only once per contestant, with all votes verified as unique.

The system is designed to prevent multiple voting and improve fairness in public categories.

Mr Parikh said similar systems are used in New Zealand and Australia and will now be adapted for Fiji to encourage genuine community engagement.

The pageant will also feature several preliminary titles, including Miss Photogenic, Miss Personality, Miss Popular and Miss Colour, allowing contestants to be recognised across different categories.

He confirmed there will be no eliminations during the competition process, with all contestants progressing through to the final stage with a total of five finalists will be selected to compete for the overall crown.

He said the winner will receive a prize package that includes return flights and accommodation to New Zealand, along with $2,500 in cash.

Organisers said all rules, eligibility criteria and voting procedures will be published on the official website to ensure transparency for contestants and the public.

Mr Parikh added that the pageant is designed as a long-term platform to build confidence, leadership and community engagement among young women in Fiji.

Auditions are expected to be held across different divisions depending on application numbers, including Suva, Nadi and Lautoka, to allow wider participation.