Fiji Labour Party is warning that removing the $10,000 limit on political donations could give wealthy and foreign interests greater influence over the country’s elections.
The Party is strongly opposing proposed changes to electoral laws that would remove the existing cap on donations to political parties and individual candidates.
Labour says the changes could increase the risk of undue influence, corruption and compromise electoral integrity.
The proposed amendments would also allow former Fiji citizens and non-citizens living overseas to make donations to political parties and candidates.
Labour says this is concerning, particularly as Fiji prepares for the next general election.
The proposed changes are currently before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights and are expected to come before Parliament when it resumes on 28th September.
Labour says the proposed changes, like the recent constitutional amendments, have been brought forward at the last minute, leaving limited time for proper public discussion and debate.
The party also acknowledges that the $10,000 donation limit had been abused by some political parties in the past, but says there was at least a level of control and accountability under the existing system.
Under the current system, political parties and candidates are required to disclose their election funding within 60 days after an election.
Labour says this means voters do not know before voting who may have financially influenced political parties or candidates.
The party also says the political playing field is already uneven ahead of the next general election.
Labour claims the three Coalition government parties — PAP, NFP and SODELPA — have received an annual grant of $325,000 since 2023 to meet expenses.
It says the grant was provided without public announcement or debate in Parliament and argues that this gives an advantage to the Coalition parties.
Labour says it has raised the issue with the Secretary-General to Parliament, the Electoral Commission and the Electoral Legislation Review Commission, but claims it has not received a response from the Secretary-General to Parliament or the Electoral Commission.
The party says removing the $10,000 donation cap could further increase the financial advantage of powerful political parties ahead of the next general election.
