Delay local government polls, timing questioned

Unity Fiji party is calling on the Government to postpone the September municipal council elections, arguing the country is not ready – but the minister responsible says the vote is happening.

Party leader Savenaca Narube said on Friday that with a general election fast approaching, the Government should not be rushing to hold local government elections at the same time.

"People will recall that the Government promised to deliver the municipal elections within the first year of its reign," Mr Narube said.

He said the Government had taken too long and was now scrambling to act before voters went to the polls.

"It clearly looks like panic stations to us," he said.

Mr Narube raised concerns about voter readiness, pointing out that Fijians have gone more than 20 years without a local government election.

He said proper education on how the elections work – including a different voting system from national elections would take time and could not be rushed.

He also warned about the financial cost of running two major elections so close together, particularly with a fuel crisis adding pressure on government resources.

Unity Fiji is proposing the local government elections be left for the next government to hold.

But Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa told the Fiji Sun the September elections would go ahead as planned.

"It's happening," Mr Nalumisa said, adding that the Fijian Elections Office was working closely with his ministry to deliver the vote.

He also confirmed that residents in informal settlements would be able to vote.

Municipal council elections were last held in Fiji in 2005. Voter registration is set to begin on April 13.