Statement by the Supervisor of Elections
Mr Mohammed Saneem
2022 General Election-Launch of Election Officials Training- Round 1
Venue: Ministry of Civil Service, Centre for Training & Development, Nasese, Suva
Date: 17/01/2022
Time: 10am
Bula Vinaka ladies and gentlemen,
Happy New Year and welcome to the launch of the first round of training for the 2022 General Election Officials.
Today marks an important event in the election calendar as we commence the training of election officials who will be working the polling stations come 2022 General Election.
The FEO conducted the first phase of Recruitments last year between 1 September and 15 October. This was followed by our One Day Recruitment Drives that were held in Suva, Nadi and Lautoka in December.
So, you all are the successful applicants from Phase 1 and you will now be attending this first training session.
The FEO anticipates training approximately 15,000 individuals for the next general election and this will be done through 760 sessions between now and 15 April 2022.
The training sessions will be conducted by FEO-accredited Field Trainers and those who perform exceptionally during this training will proceed to the Presiding Officers Training.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we commence the training of Election Officials, I wanted to sound few reminders to all persons who may be interested to work in the 2022 General Election.
We need people with the highest level of integrity, who can come and carry out the responsibilities of Election Officials without fear or favor and in a very apolitical manner.
Election Officials must remain honest at all times and ensure that all the procedures prescribed by the Fijian Elections Office are followed to the letter.
The Election Officials determine the credibility of each election and it is very important that when you are carrying out this very important task, that you do so as per the procedures that have been prescribed for these positions.
Being an Election Official does not only mean that you are looking forward to the salary at the end of the day but this is a great service to the country and when one is called upon to serve their country, they must do so with utmost faith and honesty.
It is important that you ensure that you carry out your roles diligently and in a manner that is not only done – but is seen by the members of the public to have been done right.
Moreover, the training sessions are being held simultaneously in the Western, Northern and Central Divisions.
For the Western Division, it being held at the Ba Holdings Conference Room in Lautoka and at the Labasa Scouts Hall in the North. If the venues do change, it will be updated on our Facebook page so keep checking the page for updates and the time of the sessions.
The FEO has in co-operation with the Ministry of Health, developed the Guidelines Ensuring Compliance with COVID-19 Protocols for Conducting Election Officials Training and this will be followed thoroughly.
As announced last week, the second phase of the Recruitment Drive will commence this Wednesday. Our booking platform is live and interested individuals can book for a time slot using the link provided on the Fijian Elections Office Facebook page.
Ladies and gentleman as you are aware, the 2022 General Election can take place anytime between 9 July 2022 and 9 January 2023 and the preparations are going full steam ahead as we work towards delivering a free, fair and credible general election.
The MOG had commended the polling day workers for their professionalism in the execution of their duties in the 2018 General Election, so let us strive to do even better this time.
I would like to congratulate you all for completing the recruitment process and I wish you all the best for this training.
I now declare the training of Election Officials for the 2022 General Election officially open.
Vinaka vakalevu.
Ends
