Opposition MP warns against scrapping residency rule

Opposition MP Premila Kumar has warned that removing the two-year residency rule for overseas-based iTaukei candidates could open the door to outside interference and create unfairness among non-iTaukei Fijians.

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) last week passed a resolution calling on Government to remove the rule for anyone registered on the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) — the official register of indigenous Fijian bloodlines.

Under the Electoral Act 2014, anyone wanting to stand in elections must have lived in Fiji for at least 18 months out of the two years before nominations.

Ms Kumar said while she understood the intent, the risks were serious.

"Eliminating the rule entirely could open the door to undue external interference, grant undue advantages to privileged expatriates, and create perceptions of unfairness among non-iTaukei citizens who would remain subject to the existing restrictions," she said.

She said the rule was put in place to keep candidates connected to the everyday struggles of ordinary Fijians.

"This rule is to help protect the integrity of our democratic process by blocking 'fly-in candidates' — individuals from overseas with minimal or no sustained involvement in local communities," Ms Kumar said.

She called for any proposed changes to go through full public consultation first, saying reforms must serve all Fijians, not just some.

The GCC has submitted its resolution to Government, though GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula acknowledged the council could only make recommendations.

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