Villagers of Viani in Cakaudrove have declined to support an amendment to the Fiji Police Force Bill, which proposes allowing Justices of the Peace to sign search warrants currently signed by Magistrates.
Villagers told members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights that the proposed change could be abused by police officers, some of whom already have a history of allegedly abusing their authority.
They said the proposed change could be used by police officers and JPs to victimise people with whom they may have differences.
However, they welcomed the proposed change to allow village constables to be appointed by the Commissioner of Police.
Village Headman Mosese Ravuevu told members of the committee that this was imperative, as they have faced challenges controlling drunkards in the village.Another villager, who previously served as a village headman, told the consultation that he was once beaten by drunkards in the village while attempting to control them.
He says he strongly supports the proposal because police posts are far from the village, and having their own village constables would help significantly.
Under the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026, villagers told the committee that the proposed removal of the 48-hour blackout period would not make a difference because people already know who they will vote for.
