Brochure Clears Way To Political Participation
The Human Rights and AntiDiscrimination Commission in partnership with the Fijian Elections Office launched the Human Rights and Elections Brochure yesterday.
The brochure articulates what the right to political participation entails under Section 23 of the Fijian Constitution.
These are the features of free and fair elections and minimum human rights standards that must be observed to render an election free, fair and credible.
During the launch, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission director Ashwin Raj, highlighted that the right to vote was an expression of the will of the individual as recognised in our Constitution.
It must be exercised without fear of reprisal and recrimination. “Empowering every Fijian, who is eligible to vote to exercise this fundamental right recognised in our Constitution is the impetus behind the publication of this brochure,” he said.
“These minimum standards include, the principle of non-discrimination, the creation of an environment that ensures full political participation by our citizens without fear for their safety or reprisal or recrimination.
“It also involves the ability to enjoy freedom of speech, expression and publication, the right to information to be able to make an informed choice, the right to peaceful (non-violent) assembly and freedom of association including the right to form and participate in political organisations.”
Mr Raj said the brochure also talked about the fact that human rights and freedoms came with responsibilities.
“The right to freedom of expression does not give one the right to promote hate speech or incite violence based on race, religion, ethnicity and other prohibited grounds of discrimination,” he said. “The fundamental features of free and fair elections include the provision of a written law that guarantees the right to political participation including the right to vote.” He said the law must be premised on the principle of non-discrimination, which means that the law must not exclude any eligible voter from exercising his or her right unless and otherwise specified by law.
The brochure will also be translated in the vernacular languages in iTaukei, Fiji-Hindi, Rotuman and Chinese to reach out to the most rural and remote communities through its outreach initiative,” Mr Raj said.
“It is important that these discussions are not simply the preserve of the political elite. Every citizen must engage in these discussions empowered with the knowledge of their fundamental human rights.” Electoral Commission chairperson Suresh Chandra said they have found that collaboration with the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission was at its best.
“We look forward to continuing with this excellent partnership with the Human Rights and AntiDiscrimination Commission as we move towards the 2018 General Election.”
Edited by Percy Kean