Fiji Parliament passes electoral and political party amendments

Fiji's Parliament has passed three bills aimed at strengthening electoral laws, improving financial accountability, and ensuring consistency in political party regulation. The legislation includes the Electoral Amendment No. 2 Bill of 2026, the Political Parties Amendment Bill, and changes to the Electoral Registration of Voters Act.

Key provisions of the amendments include reducing the financial disclosure deadline for political candidates from 60 days to 30 days. The bills also establish a clearer classification of electoral offences, distinguishing between corrupt and illegal practices. Additionally, the Electoral Commission may be granted authority to move ballot counting from individual polling stations to designated counting centres.

During the debate, opposition MP Jone Usamate raised concerns regarding the regulation of foreign funding. He questioned how the law would prevent political parties from receiving overseas financial assistance before an official campaign period and subsequently using those funds to support campaign activities. Attorney-General Sevuloni Valenitabua stated the amendments are intended to make Fiji’s electoral laws clearer, more consistent, and enforceable.