Kamikamica calls for women quota in Parliament

People’s Alliance deputy leader Manoa Kamikamica has called on advocates for greater representation of women in Parliament to push for constitutional protections rather than relying solely on political parties.

His comments come as Fiji prepares for a general election expected in February next year.

Speaking at the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue 2026 in Suva yesterday, Mr Kamikamica said the low number of women in Parliament — currently five MPs, representing 9.1 per cent of the House — may require more than goodwill from party leaders to address.

“Is it adequate to just advocate within the party, or do we need something more constitutionally respected?” he said.

“If there is a desire to actually have women representation, there are certain models that can be looked at.”

Mr Kamikamica said the ongoing constitutional review presented an opportunity for women’s groups to advocate for reforms and make their voices heard.

Fiji Labour Party leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry agreed that political parties should set minimum thresholds for women candidates.

Former Attorney-General and Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the 2014 General Election under the proportional representation system produced the highest number of women Members of Parliament in Fiji’s history.

“It’s up to the political party to field as many female candidates as possible,” he said.

National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad said women make up 40 per cent of the party’s current parliamentary caucus, but acknowledged that more work was needed across the political spectrum.

Panellists also noted that many capable women were discouraged from entering politics because of Fiji’s often harsh political environment and laws they said require urgent reform.