Residency cut proposed for overseas candidates

Fijians living overseas could soon face a shorter residency require­ment to contest the next general election, with proposals suggesting a cut from two years to just six months.

Currently, the 2013 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2014 require candi­dates to live in Fiji for two (2) years im­mediately before nomination.

The proposed change would now allow Fijians living abroad to stand without giving up work or family com­mitments.

Observers link the move to concerns over governance under the Coalition Government.

As the coalition term nears its end, some say the proposed change could help ensure a broader, more repre­sentative election process.

If approved, political parties would be able to include both local and over­seas candidates, potentially widening the pool of skilled leaders eligible to run.

The Bill must be tabled in Parliament before the change can take effect, marking a key step in election prepa­rations.