Jale Daucakacaka 
Drone shot of Nausori town.
Reinstating municipal council elections after a lapse of 18 years is a means of returning power to the people.
This was highlighted by Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, who says getting residents to manage the affairs of their town and city councils is a tool for achieving accountability and advocacy in municipal councils.
“We are going to return the power, the management, and the running of councils to elected mayors and councillors. That itself will bring accountability and transparency and ensure that the people’s views are taken carefully, and we expect better management through elected councils throughout the country.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Local Government Seema Sharma is chairing the Local Government Election Working Group, which comprises the CEOs of municipal councils, the Fijian Elections Office, and heads of central agencies.
According to the Ministry of Local Government, the working group will prepare a detailed action plan for the delivery of a successful municipal council election, legislative amendments, policies, and standard operating procedures.
The group will also prepare a budget for elections for the 13 municipal councils, which Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa will then table as an action plan to the cabinet.
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