23 Jun 2017

Campaign launched for free and fair elections in Fiji

7:32 am on 23 June 2017

Fiji's opposition parties have launched a campaign to get new electoral laws in place to ensure free and fair elections.

The five opposition parties are gearing up to fight the polls next year and are concerned time is running out for a suite of changes they want including allowing party symbols on the ballot paper and the repeal of public order laws.

They say they're concerned there's been no action yet on the recommendations in reports by international observers and the Fiji Electoral Commission after the 2014 polls.

Fiji elections

Fiji's last elections were in 2014 Photo: RNZI correspondent

The leader of the Fiji United Freedom Party, Jagath Karunaratne said the parties have a responsibility to the people.

"This information must go to the public as well," Mr Karunaratne said.

"People need to understand what's going on, how it's happening, what are the problems political parties are facing and most of all the public needs to have the trust and faith in the electoral system and the processes."