The Centre for Democracy and Dialogue (CDD) is calling on the Government to urgently reconsider amendments to the Electoral Act 2014, which it says could restrict the activities of civil society organisations for more than eight months ahead of the next general elections.
The CDD says it is shocked that the Sitiveni Rabuka-led Government has retained restrictions under Section 115 of the Electoral Act and extended their application from approximately 45 days during the previous elections to potentially more than eight months.
It says the Electoral Commission declared the election campaign period open on 25th May 2026, and with the next general elections potentially taking place as late as February 2027, affected organisations could face restrictions throughout this period.
The CDD says the amendments represent a major setback for democratic freedoms, particularly as Rabuka criticised the same restrictions while in Opposition.
They say Rabuka told Parliament on 29th November 2018 that Section 115 limited voter education and awareness programmes conducted by civil society organisations.
The CDD says the latest amendment extends the period during which restrictions on election-related campaigning apply to organisations receiving foreign funding or assistance.
They say the restrictions cover activities such as organising debates, conducting public forums, holding meetings, participating in interviews and publishing election-related material when these constitute campaigning under the law.
The organisation is concerned that the restrictions could also create uncertainty for independent voter education, electoral research and public policy discussions.
They further raise concerns about amendments affecting judicial review of certain Electoral Commission decisions under Section 115.
It says preventing foreign interference in elections is important, but foreign funding of political campaigns should be distinguished from international assistance supporting independent voter education and public dialogue.
The CDD is calling on the Government to explain why the restrictions have been extended, repeal what it considers disproportionate restrictions on civil society participation and preserve the right to judicial review of Electoral Commission decisions.
It says Fijians deserve an explanation as to why the Government is retaining and extending restrictions that Rabuka himself criticised in 2018.
We have sought comments from Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister for Justice, Filimoni Vosarogo.
