Source: Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP)
16 September, 2026
The Social Empowerment Education Program (SEEP) has expressed support for the positive reforms proposed under the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026, while calling for stronger safeguards and adequate preparation before the reforms are implemented.
SEEP Research and Policy Officer, Metuisela Gauna, made the organisation’s submission yesterday, September 15, to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights at Khatriya Hall, Naodamu, Labasa.
SEEP said the Bill contains several positive reforms that could make Fiji’s electoral system more inclusive, accessible, transparent and fair. These include the removal of the 48-hour campaign blackout, reduction of the campaign-free zone from 300 metres to 100 metres, expanded postal voting, removal of statutory declaration requirements and provisions allowing assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
However, SEEP believes several important safeguards must be addressed to ensure the reforms strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
SEEP has identified three key areas of concern:
1. Clear monitoring of candidate eligibility
SEEP is calling for clearer provisions on who will monitor whether candidates continue to meet eligibility requirements after nomination, how breaches will be identified, and what action will be taken if a candidate becomes ineligible.
SEEP recommends that the Supervisor of Elections be clearly designated as the monitoring authority, with defined powers, processes and timelines, including an opportunity for candidates to be heard and an appropriate appeal mechanism.
2. Stronger checks and appeal rights
SEEP is also calling for greater accountability around enforcement powers, including provisions relating to recounts, supervisory decisions and electoral offences.
The organisation recommends clearly defining the circumstances in which recounts may be ordered, extending appeal rights to significant supervisory decisions, and ensuring penalties are proportionate to the seriousness of an offence.
SEEP has also raised concern that Electoral Commission Rules referred to in the Bill should be publicly available so that political parties, candidates and the public can understand their obligations and rights.
3. Adequate time for implementation and public awareness
SEEP has emphasised the importance of ensuring that any electoral reforms are properly understood and implemented before the next general election.
With the election expected within the current electoral window, SEEP believes two to three months may not be sufficient to train electoral officials, update systems, educate voters and ensure political parties and candidates fully understand the changes.
Mr Gauna also emphasised that the elections cannot be delayed or extended further, noting that the proposed Bill could instead be introduced next year to allow adequate time for its implementation.
SEEP is therefore calling for a comprehensive public awareness campaign using radio, television, social media, print and community meetings, with information available in iTaukei, Hindi, Rotuman and English.
SEEP also recommends simplifying complex definitions and translating relevant electoral legislation and guidance materials into the official languages to improve public understanding.
Mr Gauna said the proposed reforms should be treated as a national endeavour that serves all Fijians, rather than being driven by political interests.
While SEEP supports the positive direction of the Bill, it believes the identified gaps should be addressed to ensure the reforms protect every citizen’s right to vote, stand for office and participate in free and fair elections.