Residents and ratepayers of Suva say there needs to be reserved seats for women in municipal elections

Residents and ratepayers of Suva say there needs to be reserved seats for women in municipal elections

By Karishma Kumari
Wednesday 27/09/2023
(L-R) Assistant Professor at the Fiji National University Mosmi Bhim, Suva residents Shivam Bharat and Vishwa Deo

Residents and ratepayers of Suva are calling for reserved seats for women in the municipal elections.

While speaking at the Local Government Act consultations in Suva, Assistant Professor at the Fiji National University, Mosmi Bhim says a few months back, there were consultations on what should be amended in the Local Government Act in which, many women recommended that there should be reserved seats for women in the municipal council elections however, this is not part of the proposed amendment.

Bhim says the reason many women do not stand in elections is because, they bear the disproportionally high rate of their responsibilities in the house.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Shivam Bharat of Suva says there needs to be equal opportunity for women in the councils as well as uniformity and gender equality.

Meanwhile, Joe Vuniwai of SODELPA says that NGOs should encourage women to participate in municipal elections because most women themselves turn to vote for male candidates during the elections.

Vishwa Deo, a ratepayer says the proposed amendments in the Act are aligned with the Fijian constitution and the Electoral Act however, he says the voter eligibility should be increased from 3 months to 6 or 12 months.

He says 3 months will create hiccups in the municipal council elections which looks at all the towns and cities where people come and go as tenants.

He says there should also be some sort of declaration for the residents so that people from other areas do not come to vote outside their area.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Deo says candidates of a municipality must be a resident and ratepayer because a time will come when there will be only residents comprising of all the councillors sitting in the council who do not contribute anything.

He says people with dual citizenship should also be allowed to contest the elections because they have their properties within the municipalities.

However, Asis Kumar who is a retired teacher says the residency requirement for the candidates must be at least 12 to 24 months.

Approximately 30 people attended the Local Government Electoral Act consultations at the Suva Civic Centre.

FEATURE NEWS
Flash Flood Alert issued for eastern parts of Viti Levu and parts of Vanua Levu
A Flash Flood Alert remains in force for small streams and low-lying, flash flood prone areas of interior and eastern parts of Viti Levu including fro...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Suki Tax could be considered, industry was worth about $12M in 2012 – Prof. Prasad
We will be looking at having a tax for suki carefully probably in the next budget, and the suki industry was valued at about $12 million in ...
2 hours ago

Marriott hotel workers to receive 4.5% pay increase
Good news for hotel workers under Marriott International in Fiji as they are set to receive a 4.5% wage increase following an agreement between the ...
2 hours ago

$27,000 renovation work done in Nadogo college to help improve students’ education
A $27,000 grant from the Ministry of Education was used to renovate the boys’ dormitory at Nadogo College in Vanua Levu and students can now enjoy ...
2 hours ago

Furniture upgrade for Ante-Natal Clinic and the Midwives Training Rooms to boost comfort and training flexibility
New tables and benches for the staff room at the Ante-Natal Clinic and the Midwives Training Rooms at CWM Hospital have been purchased and delivered ...
2 hours ago

Shobna Chanel dance group starts their journey today at International Dance and Music Festival
Fiji’s well-known dance group, Shobna Chanel has officially started their journey today to the International Dance and Music Festival. While ...
16 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
World Radio Day
Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political ...
7 days ago

Health Minister Dr Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Health Minister, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
15 days ago

PM Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan. The in-depth interview will focus on many issues facing the ...
19 days ago

TOP