Support pours for single constituency voting

Support is building in Vanua Levu for the reintroduction of a single member constituency voting system, with traditional and community leaders voicing strong backing for the proposal put forward by Mahendra Chaudhry.

The former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has called for electoral reforms ahead of the upcoming General Election, advocating for a system where each constituency elects its own Member of Parliament.

Sau Ni Vanua of Qoibau in Labasa, Macuata, Ratu Manoa Tuiwainikai, said he preferred a constituency-based voting system, noting that while younger voters may be unfamiliar with it, the older generation had experienced how it worked.

He said the system would promote transparency and ensure that voters of a specific locality are represented by a candidate they personally chose and knew.

Ratu Manoa said under such a system, the elected parliamentarian would be directly accountable to their constituency, ensuring promises made during campaigns are fulfilled and that the constituency’s voice is consistently raised in Parliament.

“I support Mr Chaudhry’s view,” he said.

Community leader from Udu district in Macuata, Aisake Galodamu, echoed similar sentiments. He said candidates would spend more time in their constituencies during campaigns, allowing them to better understand local challenges.

Mr Galodamu highlighted the lack of development in his district, saying that basic services such as internet and phone connectivity remained out of reach in 2026.

He, too, has expressed interest in contesting the election and believes constituencies should be represented by individuals who have personally experienced the challenges faced by the people.

“Without experiencing the challenges of basic resources, candidates will never be able to fully grasp the need for development and growth of the constituency,” he said.

Nadogo district representative in Macuata, Ranadi Raluna, said each district had its own development goals and that parliamentarians must be aware of and advocate for those ambitions.

She has also indicated interest in contesting the election and remains open to joining a political party that prioritises equality in development.

Meanwhile, Mr Chaudhry said the current electoral system was flawed and should be reviewed as part of broader electoral reforms.

Under the existing system, he argued, candidates who secure thousands of votes can still miss out on entering Parliament if their party fails to meet the five per cent threshold required for representation.

The FLP has failed to secure seats in the last three elections after not reaching the threshold.

Mr Chaudhry said there were instances where candidates with only a few hundred votes became MPs and Ministers because they were aligned with the Coalition Government.

He maintained that a single member constituency system would ensure each constituency has a direct voice in Parliament through its elected representative, strengthening communication between voters and MPs and enabling constituents to raise concerns directly with the person they chose to represent them.