Funding Equality: Reimagining Fiji’s Political Landscape through Gender-Inclusive Political Party Funding

Abstract

Recent reforms in political party funding by Fiji’s new coalition government have reignited crucial discussions about the foundations of democratic participation and representation. With increased financial allowances for members of parliament and substantial annual grants for political parties, these reforms are intended to strengthen the structural framework of Fiji’s political landscape. However, they glaringly overlook a critical dimension: the promotion of gender diversity in the political arena. The 2022 general elections have highlighted a significant regression, with a decrease in women’s representation in parliament and their continued underrepresentation in appointments to statutory boards. This In Brief argues that the financial reforms, while structurally significant, represent a missed opportunity, in failing to address the underlying gender disparities that inhibit women’s political participation. The paper instead proposes targeted reforms that align Fiji’s political financing mechanisms with its commitments to gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). By examining effective legislated and non-legislated measures from various global contexts, the paper makes recommendations aimed to bridge the gap between Fiji’s democratic aspirations and the lived reality of Fijian women, ensuring a more inclusive political landscape that reflects the diverse makeup of Fijian society.