Women push for more parliamentary seats

Men should not only vote for pretty women but be wise and vote for those with brains, says Taniela Momolevu.

This was in response to questions during the review of the electoral law consultation conducted at Navoci Village, outside Nadi Town, on Tuesday.

The consultation was led by Electoral Law Reform Commission chairperson Daniel Fatiaki and team members Wadan Narsey, Deidre Brookes, and Seni Nabou.

Mr Narsey asked if men should be allowed to vote for seats reserved for women, stating that most men would only vote for pretty women.

In response, Mr Momolevu said it was better to vote for pretty women with brains than those who were ignorant and immature.

“Men should vote for pretty women with brains. These women can be pretty, but don’t have any leadership qualities,” he said.

The commission conducted consultations focusing on the electoral system, vote counting, voter and candidate qualifications, entry into Parliament, women’s representation, the ballot paper, the size of Parliament, and the electoral system.

The majority of participants at the consultation were women from Navoci Village.

The participants were asked for their thoughts on women’s representation in Parliament.

Another participant, Eleni Pareti, preferred that out of 55 seats in Parliament, 28 seats should be reserved for women.

“This upcoming election, I will support other women leaders for Parliament. We, as women, should support each other,” she said.

“This consultation has enlightened us on the importance of women’s leadership. In the last election, the majority of voters were women, but they chose men. So now, we want to see more seats for women in Parliament.”

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