Youth Advocacy interaction session themed Shaping Fiji's Local Government
Mr. Vipin Maharaj represented UNA Fiji in the Youth Advocacy interaction session themed Shaping Fiji's Local Government Act for more inclusive municipal elections.
This session aimed to empower young voices in Fiji to actively participate in shaping the laws that govern the 2024 municipal elections.
The session started with an brief overview of the groups mission and goals and also highlighted the importance of youth participation in advocacy. UNA Fiji concurred with the idea that youth participation was really important because youth are the leaders of tomorrow.
Further into the session, a draft bill was introduced to the participants which outlined the proposed changes and was further deliberated by the present participants in order to encompass what the present participants had to say on the particular matter.
Changes proposed by UNA Fiji are as follows;
- For the municipal elections to be shifted another year to at least 2025 in order to obtain the most accurate data.
- Whoever stands in these elections should at least be a resident of that area for at least 6 months so that people also get to know the person and know who to vote for
- People with dual citizenship should also be allowed to participate In these elections because they are part of the Fiji system and should not be completely disqualified
- Individuals who are standing for local elections not be required to have a degree or diploma because a certain number of years of experience should also count as not all parliamentarians are completely qualified to be in parliament.
- Political parties to not nominate any person to stand up for these elections because when a political party nominates someone, they automatically get that particular parties endorsement
- People to self-nominate and go through a through vetting process
Mr. Vipin Maharaj in his capacity as the Deputy Secretary of UNA Fiji highlighted that it is good these types of forums are set for youth to come in and engage because when young people are sent to forums with mature audiences they get nervous and Youth participation if very important because youth is the next generation.
With Class, Dignity & Elegance -
