Josefa Sigavolavola 
[Photo: FILE]
Civil society organisations receiving foreign funding can participate in campaign-related activities ahead of the next General Election, provided they comply with new rules approved by the Electoral Commission.
The Commission confirmed this during its election numbering ball draw.
Electoral Commission Chair Usaia Ratuvili says Amendments to the Electoral Act 2014 have removed the previous blanket prohibition, which established a regulatory framework for foreign-funded organisations to organise public forums, debates, and interviews.
“We have followed these discussions closely; we recognize changes to an electoral law, particularly so close to an election, will naturally attract public scrutiny. These are national matters, and I believe it is necessary to explain what the amendment provides and how the commission plans to administer it.”
Organisations intending to carry out campaign activities must first apply to the Supervisor of Elections and give details of their proposed programme and funding sources.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says applications will be processed within a seven-day waiting period.
“The application he is talking about—these are similar to the applications we have been giving to CSOs for the past three general elections. The only difference here is that now we have the rules from the Electoral Commission that set out the criteria.”
Organisations dissatisfied with a decision can seek a review by the Electoral Commission within three days.
The Electoral Commission will then be required to issue a determination within a further three days.
