Bernadette Ganilau Questions Absence Of Government MP

Questions were raised as to why no government leader or Member of Parliament was present at the review of name change policy yesterday.

The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice together with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation are conducting these consultations.

Consultation is basically around the review of the name change policy that was brought about by the amendments to the interpretation Act 1967 and Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012 in 2021.

Suva kicked off with the first consultation yesterday which will be followed by Labasa today at the Labasa Civic Centre then in Nadi tomorrow at Nadi Civic Centre.

At the Suva Civic Centre consultations Bernadette Rounds Ganilau said it would have been appropriate to see Government leaders or Members of Parliament be present at the consultations.

“To listen to at least the presenters 50 per cent of this population speak on behalf of those who cannot be here.”

Ms Ganilau said what really upset her was how the 2021 name change policy was introduced to the people to follow.

Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj