Electoral reform can be done under the current Constitution - Prof. Fraenkel

The reform of the electoral system can be done under the current Constitution before the next general elections.

This has been shared by Jon Fraenkel who is a Professor of Comparative Politics at Victoria University of Wellington.

The discussion at Fiji National University Campus in Nasinu, mainly centred around electoral reform within and beyond the 2013 Constitution while also drawing on Fiji’s experiences under the 1970, 1990, and 1997 Constitutions.

Professor Fraenkel talked about the confusing nature of the current Sudoku style ballot paper.

He says it features only numbers, without candidate names or party symbols.

Professor Fraenkel also criticized the use of a single nationwide constituency that elects 55 members of Parliament, arguing that this system fails to provide geographic representation, as the MPs are not tied to specific regions within Fiji.

Professor Fraenkel also highlighted the lack of women representation in Parliament as well.

When questioned by fijivillage News about which body should be responsible for creating electoral boundaries given that no such responsibility is legislated under the current law, Professor Fraenkel noted the relevance of census data and explained that under the 1997 Constitution, a Constituency Boundaries Commission existed, and suggested that similar mechanisms could be considered under the current framework.

He also confirmed that the creation of constituencies is possible under the 2013 Constitution, indicating that a meaningful electoral reform can still be pursued within the existing legal structure.