Fiji gears up for municipal elections

Fiji is gearing up for a major political shift as Local Government elections are set to return after a 21-year hiatus.

It has raised questions about political representation and the decentralisation of power.

Nasinu Town Council chief executive Felix Magnus described the elections as a crucial step in restoring decision-making au-thority to local communities.

“It makes no sense electing councillors if they do not have the autonomy to make decisions for the towns they guide,” he said.

“One of the ultimate aims of having local government elections is to return power to the people so that they are able to make decisions for their towns.”

The move marks a significant moment in Fijian politics, where municipal governance has been long centralized.

Mr Magnus acknowledged that the electorate may be unfamiliar with the process after decades without elections.

“Most of the voting population really don’t know what local government entails. It’s utmost important that we have this awareness drive,” he said.

Mr Magnus emphasized that the council was seeking candidates committed to public ser-vice rather than party politics.

“We are not looking at turning this into a political gimmick. We want people who can serve the township as they see fit,” he said.

The council is urging communities to actively participate in selecting their representatives.

“I would like to encourage the people of Nasinu to start talking within your wards and choose the people who can serve your wards in the best interest,” Mr Magnus said.

sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj