Election timing uncertainty affecting political parties, says Commission

Uncertainty over when the next general election will be held is creating difficulties for political parties planning their campaign strategies, the Electoral Commission says.

The issue was highlighted in the Commission's submission to the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC).

Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili said stakeholders had consistently raised concerns about the broad discretion available in determining election dates.

Under the current constitutional arrangements, Parliament can sit for between three-and-a-half and four years before a general election is called.

Justice Ratuvili said the lack of certainty affected campaign planning and resource allocation because political parties did not know when they would go to the polls.

He said international best practice also discouraged major changes to electoral laws during an election year.

The Commission recommended that significant electoral reforms should only take effect after an election, allowing election officials to focus on preparations rather than implementing new legislation during the campaign period.

The proposal was among several governance reforms presented to the CRC as it continues nationwide consultations on constitutional changes.

Justice Ratuvili said a more predictable election timetable would strengthen public confidence in Fiji's electoral process and provide greater certainty for voters, candidates and political parties alike.