Dialogue Fiji Director Nilesh Lal has warned that removing limits on political donations could create opportunities for criminal money to enter Fiji’s political system.

Lal made the warning while presenting Dialogue Fiji’s submission on the proposed amendments to the Political Parties Act, raising concerns that the removal of the existing $10,000 donation cap could allow wealthy individuals to provide large sums of money to political parties without an effective limit.

He says this could create a serious risk of illicit funds being channelled into political campaigns, particularly if there are no restrictions on who can make political donations.
Lal says Fiji must also be mindful of the growing problem of proceeds from illicit drugs and organised crime, warning that criminal money could potentially be disguised as legitimate political donations.

He says an organised crime figure seeking political influence or protection could potentially use large amounts of illicit wealth to fund a political party, particularly if there is no donation ceiling.

Lal stresses that Dialogue Fiji is not suggesting the proposed amendments legalise drug money or criminal proceeds, but says the removal of safeguards could make the political system more vulnerable to such funds.

He says donation limits are important because they reduce the ability of wealthy individuals to exercise disproportionate influence over political parties and help prevent financial contributions from becoming a pathway to political influence.

Lal is calling for the existing donation safeguards to be retained, alongside stronger transparency and disclosure requirements, to ensure Fiji’s political financing system is protected from excessive financial and potentially criminal influence.