Lami residents raise concerns and want changes to the proposed Local Government Electoral Act

A senior resident and ratepayer of Lami, Aileen Savu says she disagrees with the proposed amendments of nomination along political party lines in the Local Government elections as she only wants independent candidates. While speaking during the public consultation on the proposed Local Government Electoral Act at the Lami Parish Hall, Savu says based on her understanding, independent nominated candidates of Lami will best serve the interest of the Lami area at the municipal level rather than those already nominated along political party lines.

In reply, Fijian Elections Office Acting Manager Legal Mesake Dawai says the nomination along political party lines was one endorsement made by the cabinet for which consultations are at hand.

Meanwhile, Lami resident Hamza Hussein raised concern on whether individuals owning two homes in different municipal areas will be allow to cast their votes in both municipalities.

He says as a resident of dual property, he is proposing if voting can be allowed in two municipalities.

Dawai highlighted that under the current proposal, residents can only vote at one location which is legally recognized in their voter ID.

He says that they welcome new proposals of allowing property owners to be granted the right to vote in municipalities where they hold ownership.

Watisoni Savo of Suvavou village also raised the question on whether he would have to vote under the Lami or Suva municipality, since they are the traditional landowners of Suva and are living under the Lami ward.

The public consultations will end on 16th November 2023.