Page 16 - IBs November 2022

Fiji Votes

VOTE FOR A ‘VIBRANT, FUNCTIONING

DEMOCRACY’ STUDENTS TOLD

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti

Fijian youth found their voice at a recent talanoa dialogue
on the upcoming election with panellists that included the
Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Mohammed Saneem.
The University of the South Pacific Students Association
(USPSA)-organised event attracted not only students and
alumni, but also businessmen and political parties.
SoE Saneem told attendees that “there have been massive
attempts to discredit the [electoral] process.”
Saneem said, “I have to be very honest with you; it is not
only from political parties but from all facets: academia trying
to bring in far-fetched research material; legal people trying
to bring in interpretations of the law that best suit whatever
the current political preference; right down to attempts to
even make my claim about things like ballot boxes flying from
China.”
He continued, “I’m not here to make friends; my job is to
run the elections.”
The Head of USP’s School for Politics and International Af-
fairs, Associate Professor Sandra Tarte, reminded attendees of
what true democracy meant.
“Democracy is often described as government by the
people, of the people, and for the people. Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem (right) with attendees at the talanoa.
“Elections are important because they help ensure that
people like you and me have a say over who represents us in
government. Not only that, elections help keep our represen- The session heard that Saneem is not a supporter of quota
tatives accountable. systems for women in parliament, as is seen in Samoa and
“Knowing there will be a vote every few years, our repre- Bougainville.
sentatives are more likely to be responsive to your interests, “When it comes to women voting in elections, I think it’s
so that we vote them in again. But this, of course, assumes fantastic that someone said, ‘A lady should be prime minis-
that elections are free, fair, and have no barriers to voting.” ter,’” he said during the talanoa. “The Fijian electoral system
She concluded: “If we don’t participate in elections by vot- is the best system to get as many women, youth, persons with
ing, it is argued then the whole edifice of democracy starts to disabilities, or any kind of advocacy group into parliament.
crumble. A vibrant and functioning democracy requires citizen Because it’s a popular system, which means that a popular
participation and engagement.” candidate will get the bulk of the votes and the support can-
The discussion about a free, fair, and independent process didates will get a few votes each, they will be in Parliament.”
prompted Faith Grace of the opposition Social Democratic He says under this system, if their parties nominate them,
Liberal Party (SODELPA) to ask about requirements around women can enter parliament on merit.
party manifestos “You don’t want to have a situation like you have in
Under Fiji law, parties making electoral promises must Bougainville, where they say, ‘Oh, there are four seats for
explain how they would pay for undertakings made during the women; stick to them.’ Do not interfere with the elections
campaign period. This has proved a disincentive to the release in the other seat. That’s meant for men; it’s backfiring. The
of detailed manifestos well ahead of the polls, as parties seek quota system is backfiring.”
to avoid being penalised under electoral laws. Saneem said when he asked parties if they would commit to
Saneem said that although parties are required to submit ensuring half their candidates are women, they told him, ‘No,
their manifestos and they are keeping a close eye on the we want candidates who will bring votes; otherwise, we will
parties’ promises and activities, they cannot legally enforce lose the election.’”
manifestos. He said he hopes that in the next elections, mani-
festos will be submitted earlier. editor@islandsbusiness.com

16 Islands Business, November 2022