Page 14 - IB December 2022

‘WE’RE NOT HERE TO FORM

OPINIONS’

MOG EXPLAINS LIMITS OF ITS MANDATE

By Samantha Magick domestic observers and engaging with civil society as stake-
holders, is a component of a healthy democracy.”
The Multinational Observer Group (MOG) monitoring the Fiji The MOG further noted criticism after the 2018 General
election says it did not observe any significant irregularities or Election over the lack of laws, guidance and conventions re-
issues during pre-polling, postal voting or election day voting. garding the conduct of Ministers, Members of Parliament and
However, some political parties questioned the value of the bureaucracy once Parliament is dissolved ahead of a general
MOG, given its terms of reference are set by the Fiji govern- election, noting, “In 2022, many non-government stakehold-
ment. ers again raised this criticism with the MOG as an ongoing
“We have found that the Multinational Observers Group is key concern that directly impacts on public confidence in the
just a waste of time. They come here for a good holiday and electoral process. Many non-government stakeholders told
go back,” Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry told the MOG that this gave any incumbent government an unfair
journalists in the days after the election. political advantage in elections by allowing them to announce
MOG Co-Chair, Australian parliamentarian Rebekah Sharkie, and implement government programs during the campaign
says while political leaders are entitled to their views, “we period.”
were invited here by the Fijian government to be observers. Fiji does not have a formal caretaker period. As a result, on
We are here on an evidence base. We are not here to form December 3, less than two weeks before voting day, the Attor-
opinions. And I don’t believe there has been any conflict of ney General attended both his annual conference at a plush
interest.” resort in Nadi and launched free television and Wi-Fi hotspot
The MOG found that the Fiji Elections Office was techni- services at Ba market. Both activities were well publicised on
cally proficient and well-prepared to deliver a transparent the government’s social media channels, garnering likes and
and credible electoral process. “The MOG examined the FEO’s positive comments from government supporters. A number of
processes and procedures put in place to support the running new Permanent Secretaries were also appointed less than a
of the General Election in 2022. The MOG observed that they month-out from the poll.
were robust and had adequate checks and balances to ensure The MOG also noted concerns over the September 2021
that any irregularities would be detected and mitigated.” amendment to the electoral act which requires individuals to
Of the famous glitch in the FEO’s results app, Sharkie noted register to vote using their name as specified on their birth
that while it caused concern for many people, their observers certificate, reporting that many non-government stake-
on the ground were notified immediately, and “we under- holders, including the public, criticised the amendment as
stand the error was resolved.” adversely affecting women and iTaukei voters.
While the MOG’s interim statement is couched in neutral “Without further disaggregated statistics on voter turnout
language, it’s clear it has heard the concerns of community and the voter register, the MOG cannot assess the impact of
organisations, public submissions and other non-government the amendment. However, stakeholders raised concerns that
stakeholders. It’s likely more detailed recommendations on the amendment has not been subject to sufficient consulta-
civil society engagement and concerns will make it to the tion, contributing to declining trust and confusion amongst
group’s final report. some communities.”
For example, it reflected on recent amendments to the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem says deseg-
electoral act, including changes that give the Supervisor of regated data, including the split between women and men
Elections expanded powers and give the Electoral Commis- voters, will not be available for six months.
sion power to adopt and publish guidelines on opinion polls, Seven women have filed a constitutional challenge against
surveys and research. the change, with their lawyer saying the amendment is
The MOG notes that “many non-government stakeholders arbitrary and unjustified. Their case has been heard, with the
and members of the parliament raised concerns in relation court’s decision pending.
to these amendments and their impact on the interaction The final MOG report is expected early next year, but Shar-
between the public and electoral authorities.” kie has reiterated that its mandate is closely defined.
It also noted concerns from CSOs over being “excluded from “It’s not our job to investigate. Our job is to observe, make
the electoral process given their traditional role in civic edu- commentary, and then leave it to the officials to then take
cation” while commending the FEO for its efforts to “expand it to the next step, how they wish to change. We will make
its engagement with voters at all levels of the community.” recommendations. And that will be in the final report.”
“The MOG notes that active participation of civil society
in election-related activities, including using civil society as editor@islandsbusiness.com

14 Islands Business, December 2022