Electoral Commission to mediate disputes

RESOLVING disputes between political parties during a campaigning period could be mediated by the Electoral Commission.

The proposed amendment was made to the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosure) Act 2013.

According to the proposed Bill, Section 30A states that a political party may write to the Electoral Commission requesting the Electoral Commission to mediate, and if necessary arbitrate, on a dispute between a political party and another political party on any campaign issue.

The changes also state that the Electoral Commission must make a decision within three days upon receipt of an application to mediate or arbitrate any dispute.

The proposed Bill highlights that the decision of the Electoral Commission on whether to mediate or arbitrate is final and is not subject to any further appeal to, or review by any court, tribunal or any other adjudicating body.

Public submissions on these amendments are being accepted by the parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights.

Committee chairman Alvick Maharaj said responses to these new changes from political parties were now open.

“We are anticipating members of each political party to be making their submissions once we are back in Suva,” he said.

“So far we have not received a lot of submissions to this Bill from the general public but political parties will be making their comments soon.

“Another Bill that is also generating interest is the Electoral (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Bill 2020.

“People are talking about their experiences and how things have really improved for them.

“This Bill brings in recommendations that were brought in by the Multinational Observer Group and the Electoral Commission following the 2018 General Election.”