Submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights on the National Referendum Bill 2025

Dialogue Fiji’s written submission examines the National Referendum Bill 2025 and its implications for democratic participation, freedom of expression and the legitimacy of future referendums. It focuses particularly on provisions restricting referendum materials, persuasion, civic education and participation by young people and non-voters. The submission argues that these measures are excessively broad and inconsistent with democratic practice, and recommends targeted amendments that preserve orderly voting while protecting open debate, advocacy, education and inclusive public participation.