Final report on Electoral Law Review handed to Acting AG

The Acting Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister responsible for Elections, Siromi Turaga has officially received the final report from the Commissioners for the Electoral Legislation Review.

A government statement says the Commissioners were appointed on the 17th March this year and under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retired) Daniel Fatiaki, the Commissioners completed an extensive public consultation exercise, listening to the people and documenting their views, hopes, and dreams of an electoral system and process that is for the people and from the people.

They say the handover of the Final Report titled: Fiji Law Reform Commission Electoral Law Review 2025: An Electoral System For the People From the People, signifies a major milestone toward electoral reform and democratic enhancement.

The Commission work, supported by the Ministry of Justice, Electoral Commission, Ministry of Women, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Ministry of Information, and the Fijian Elections Office, conducted an extensive four-month national consultation spanning all four divisions and Rotuma.

They say the Review featured simulations with political parties, outreach in places of worship, villages, and universities, and materials translated into Vosa Vakaviti, Hindi and Rotuman—demonstrating Fiji’s commitment to inclusive policymaking.

Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga praised the collaborative effort of the Review Team, Ministry staff, and stakeholders, emphasising that the report marks the end of one phase and the start of the next phase of the reform.

Turaga says as the Minister responsible for Elections, and as the current Acting Attorney General, he reassures the public that the Coalition Government is committed to the rule of law, to the processes inherent therein to ensure that the principles of democracy, justice, fairness, and integrity are maintained.

He says the work done by the Commissioners has been comprehensive; it has been no easy feat, and they will remain committed to meeting the deadlines set by Cabinet and ensuring that the change the people demanded is delivered on.

Turaga also stressed need to stay on course and says there will be some people out there who will criticise them.

He says let them be steadfast; let them be reminded that as long as they work within the law and work for the people and the change they asked for, they are on the right path.

Turaga says the next phase of the review process will include a careful analysis of the recommendations in the report within the government machinery, the drafting of the regulations and rules and the parliamentary process that will follow.