The First Secretary Governance, Australia High Commission, Ms. Rebecca Brown,
Mr. Ross Atrill,
Ms. Jen Clancy,
The Assistant Electoral Commissioner, Samoa Electoral Commission – Ms, Fetogi Vaai, and
FEO Colleagues.
Bula Vinaka and a Very Good Morning to you all,
It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning to officially open the Fijian Elections Office [“FEO”] Operational Planning BRIDGE Workshop.
Before we delve further, it’s crucial to acknowledge the invaluable support that has made this event possible. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Australian High Commission in Suva and the Australian Electoral Commission for their unwavering support. Their commitment to fostering democratic processes is a boost to our collaborative efforts.
I invite each one of you to join me in expressing our appreciation to them in the customary manner – with a round of applause. Jen and Rebecca, your steadfast support to the FEO has been instrumental, and we are truly grateful.
Moreover, it’s an honor to have Mr. Ross Atrill, recognized as the father of BRIDGE, among us today. Mr. Atrill, thank you for graciously availing yourself for the FEO. Your presence adds a significant dimension to our workshop, and we look forward to benefiting from your wealth of experience.
Fetogi, we are delighted to have you, and we anticipate a fruitful exchange of ideas during your time with us. Your participation enriches the diversity of perspectives in that we enjoyed as partner Electoral Management Bodies in the Pacific.
As we approach the end of 2023, a time when many organizations are winding down, it is inspiring to find ourselves gathered here today, not to conclude, but to embark on a workshop that holds paramount significance for the upcoming year, particularly in preparation for the Local Government Election. Our presence here is a testament to our unwavering commitment to democracy—showing that when the call to stand as gatekeepers arises, we rise to the occasion. Earlier this month, we collaboratively launched our 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan. This comprehensive plan defines the measurable objectives we collectively agreed upon, aligning with our respective roles. Today, as you engage in formulating your Operational Plans during this BRIDGE Workshop, I urge you to keep a keen eye on these measurable objectives from our strategic plan. Let them guide and shape your individual plans, ensuring that they harmonize with the broader organizational vision.
While embarking on this workshop over the next three days, I challenge each one of you to shed the confines of the former ‘modus operandi.’ Let go of the past, embrace the opportunity to unlearn, and, most importantly, exercise the freedom to learn new things. Seek out knowledge that not only challenge your current roles but encourages exploration into uncharted territories. Embrace creativity in your planning, incorporating innovative ideas that not only benefit the organization, but also enhance your personal and professional growth.
Winston Churchill once said and I quote, “Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential,” unquote.
Colleagues, the year 2024 promises a multitude of adventures, marked notably by the first Local Government Elections conducted by us as a full-time Election Management Body. Undoubtedly, challenges will arise, but I implore you to remain resilient, be strong, and be very courageous.
In these moments, strive to be the best gatekeeper of democracy, ensuring that our collective efforts contribute not only to the success of the organization but also to the strengthening of democratic principles.
Let us continue to shine as a beacon of democracy, and may this Operational Plan guide the way for the FEO and for all Fijian voters.
With those words, I wish you all the best in your deliberations over the next few days and I look forward to receiving the final draft of the FEO’s Operational Plan.
Thank You, Vinaka Vakalevu.
