'They want a face and a name': EC plans ballot paper changes

An amendment to general election ballot papers is expected to be introduced during the next sitting of Parliament.

Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili revealed the proposed legislative change, saying it directly reflected feedback received during recent public consultations.

He said that of the three major issues raised by members of the public, the ballot paper layout was the only matter the Commission could realistically accommodate before the next election.

"I believe an amendment regarding the ballot paper will be brought forward in the next parliamentary sitting," Justice Ratuvili said.

"We received a loud and clear message from the public, they do not want a crossword puzzle layout or just numbers. They want a face and a name."

However, he said incorporating those visual elements presented challenges within the current electoral framework.

"We are trying to accommodate this request within our existing infrastructure. If we factor in our currently registered parties, the new ones, and others potentially joining, fitting everyone on the ballot becomes highly complex. If we end up with 11 parties, each fielding 55 candidates, managing that logistics on a single paper will be a massive undertaking."

Despite the logistical challenges and associated costs, Justice Ratuvili said the Commission had the resources needed to implement the change.

"We still have enough time and we have the budget to do it. If Parliament approves the amendment in the next session, we will execute it. This is a direct reaction to the people's request."

While paper ballots remain the voting method for the next election, the Commission is also considering digital voting for future elections.

"Digital voting is always the long-term goal, but it is a matter of persuading voters to trust the technology.

"Public confidence was shaken during the last election, but we will keep trying. Trade unions in Fiji are already voting electronically; if they can provide positive testaments to the system's integrity, I think we will gain more traction. For this upcoming election, however, we are strictly using paper ballots."

Other concerns raised during the consultations included calls for the EC to introduce minimum qualification requirements for political candidates and proposals to raise the minimum voting age.

The consultation team heard submissions from some community members who argued that 18-year-olds lacked the necessary maturity to vote.