Navua residents urge age limits and simpler voting system

A proposal to introduce an age limit for election candidates sparked debate during the Constitution Review Commission's (CRC) public consultation in Navua yesterday.

Residents called for changes to Fiji's electoral system, including setting a maximum age for people contesting national elections.

Navua resident Nimesh Sharma told the CRC that while most workers are expected to retire at around 60, politicians are able to continue contesting elections into their 60s and beyond.

Navua residents, from left, Nimesh Sharma and Mahendra Sami.

Photos: Rariqi Turner 

Proposed age limit

Mr Sharma proposed a maximum age limit of 65 for people seeking elected office, arguing that leadership positions should also have reasonable age restrictions.

He said the proposal was aimed at encouraging fresh ideas, energy and effective representation in Parliament.

Mr Sharma also called for simpler ballot papers, saying some voters struggle to understand the voting process.

"It should be simple enough for everyone to understand when they go to vote," he said.

He further suggested limiting the number of political parties allowed to contest elections, arguing that too many parties could split votes and create confusion among voters.

Mr Sharma said a smaller number of parties could make elections easier for voters to navigate and produce clearer outcomes.

His comments drew interest from members of the public attending the consultation, with several residents raising concerns about representation and strengthening Fiji's democratic system.

Another resident, Mahendra Sami, supported calls for electoral reform and urged the commission to consider changes that would make the political system more practical and easier for ordinary citizens to understand.

Electoral reform emerged as one of the key issues raised during the Navua consultation, alongside discussions on constitutional rights, governance, representation and the future structure of Parliament.

The CRC is continuing nationwide consultations as it gathers public views on possible changes to Fiji's 2013 Constitution.