Some concerns have been raised on why people convicted with serious crimes like rape can stand for a parliamentary seat 5 years after they have served their sentence.
According to the draft constitution, a person may be a candidate for election to parliament if the person has not been subject to a sentence of imprisonment for an offence involving dishonesty, abuse of office, corruption or sexual offences at any time during the 5 years immediately before being nominated.
Fijivillage has questioned Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum whether the government wants to set a criteria that allows people convicted of corruption, abuse of office or rape to get into parliament after a certain period of time.
The draft constitution also states that candidates for the office of the President must not be subject to a sentence of imprisonment for an offence at any time during the 5 years immediately before being nominated.
Sayed-Khaiyum said if people do not agree with the proposed criteria for the candidates, then they should make their submissions for any changes.
When asked, Sayed-Khaiyum said people can submit what types of offences should allow or disallow people from standing for elections.
Meanwhile the draft constitution consultation will be held in Cuvu College from 7pm tonight.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
Concerns raised on criteria of candidates
