Fiji Law Reform Commission (Fiji-based): EOI - Review of Fiji's Current Electoral Legislation: 2025/104+
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Pacific Vacancies Announcement No. 2025/104+ ? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ? ? ? CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR APPOINTMENT OF PART-TIME LAW REFORM COMMISSIONER(S) TO REVIEW FIJI’S CURRENT ELECTORAL LEGISLATION Background The Fiji Law Reform Commission (FLRC) and the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF) will jointly undertake a comprehensive review and reform of the current Electoral Framework in consultation and collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) the overall line Ministry, also responsible for Elections. Expressions of interest are sought from individuals or project teams to lead the Review of the Electoral Act 2014, Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act 2013, and the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012 (the Electoral Legislation) and the development of new electoral legislation in accordance with Section 5(2)(c) of the Fiji Law Reform Commission Act 1979. ?FLRC is established under the Fiji Law Reform Commission Act 1979 and entrusted to undertake the systemic review, reform and development of the laws of Fiji The Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF) is constituted under section 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji 2013 to operate as an independent, non-partisan authority that has responsibility for the conduct of free and fair elections, in particular the registration of voters and candidates for election, voter education, the settlement of electoral disputes, and the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with law governing elections and political parties. Under section 3 of the Electoral Act 2014, the ECF has the responsibility and authority to formulate policy and to oversee the conduct of elections in accordance with the Electoral Act and any other related law. This Electoral Reform is authorized by Cabinet in furtherance of FLRC’s 2024-2025 work programme which was endorsed by Cabinet on the 18th of February 2025. MOJ also received endorsement of the Electoral Reform via its Cabinet paper endorsed on the same date. Objective The objective of the Electoral Reform is to produce through a consultative process a single piece of electoral law along with Regulations that efficiently and adequately provide for the preparations, management and conduct of a transparent, accountable, and efficient system for free and fair general elections. It is envisioned that the proposals for reform emanating from the Review process will provide Fiji with robust and accessible Electoral legislation and Regulations along with proposed constitutional amendments where relevant and necessary. Scope of Work This includes: a)?????? undertaking comprehensive research on existing electoral laws and proposing changes (inclusive of recommendations for constitutional reform); b)????? analyzing data produced by ECF and the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) based on their internal reviews and stakeholder consultations; c)?????? reviewing appropriate and relevant electoral laws, systems and processes across various Commonwealth jurisdictions, as well as international standards and best practices; d)????? preparing and drafting of a Discussion tool such as a Discussion paper and related materials for dissemination prior to public consultations; e)?????? facilitation of consultations with the public and targeted stakeholders via participatory workshops, seminars, or discussion forums; f)?????? preparing drafting instructions and assisting in the drafting of Bill(s) and Regulations, and a Cabinet paper; g)?????? ensuring proposed suggestions for reform align with ethical standards and legal requirements; h)????? delivering presentations to Committees both internal and external on research findings and recommendations; and i)?????? preparing reports and presentations to summarize findings and suggested recommendation for reform. ? The Part-Time Commissioner(s)/Review Team will be expected to provide high level technical expertise and advice to assist the FLRC Review Team and the ECF in the review of Fiji’s current electoral laws and the development of new legislation that complies with international standards and good practices while being tailored to the specific needs and priorities of Fiji. The team will be responsible for producing a Final Report with recommendations together with a draft Bill(s) and Regulations, and a draft Cabinet paper for submission to the Minister responsible for Elections and the Attorney-General. The Part Time Commissioner(s) will be assisted by FLRC, ECF, FEO and MOJ personnel and will have access to the necessary resources and office facilities during the course of this review. Expression of Interest Expressions of interest are invited from interested individuals or teams who will work in collaboration with the FLRC and ECF in undertaking the comprehensive Review and Reform of Fiji’s Electoral Framework and drafting of a Final Report, draft Bill(s) and Regulations, and a draft Cabinet paper.? This assignment requires a person or team with a solid legal background, extensive knowledge of electoral laws/systems including those in Fiji and solid legislative drafting experience. The Team will work with a Working Group. The invitation is extended to, but is not limited to, electoral experts, retired jurists and senior or retired legal practitioners from the public or private sector, legal academics, former senior public servants or others with substantial knowledge of electoral law, processes, and systems. Applications are encouraged from women and persons with disabilities. The successful candidate will not be deemed a public officer and will be required to sign a contract. The EOI should include but not be limited to the following requirements: ·??????? Resume/Curriculum Vitae highlighting background and relevant experience ·??????? Methodology/Work Plan for the legislative review and reform ·??????? Fees ? Terms of Reference An information package including a Terms of Reference can be obtained from the Fiji Law Reform Commission website at or a hard copy obtained from our office at Level 5, Civic Towers (behind Suva City Library), Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji. You can also contact: Senior Legal Officer, Mr. Leighton Fatiaki, or Ms. Leah Duru, Legal Officer at 679 3303646/3303900 or on email: fijilawreformc@... ? Submissions All Expressions of interest must be marked “Confidential” and titled “Expression of Interest: FLRC Part Time Commissioner:? Electoral Reform and e-mailed to: Copied to: selina.kuruleca@... – Permanent Secretary for Justice – Selina Kuruleca Copied to: chairperson@... – Chairperson, Electoral Commission – Justice Usaia Ratuvili
?These will be treated in the strictest confidence. ? Applications close on Friday 28 February 2025. This is a joint review in collaboration between the Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Electoral Commission, Fijian Elections Office and the overall line Ministry, also responsible for Elections, the Ministry of Justice. ? ? 厂颈驳苍别诲:………………………………………… Raijeli Lebaivalu Tuivaga [Ms.] Director- Fiji Law Reform Commission ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE NOTE: ? ECO-CONSULT
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Wilco Liebregts