The Principal – Vunimono High School;
Teachers;
Students and;
Members of the media.
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all,
I’m honored to be here this morning and to see your cheerful young faces. Thank you for your willingness to be present here and participate in the electoral processes. This gives me great hope for Fiji’s democratic future.
Yesterday, we had launched the Fijian Elections Office School Election Toolkit (SET) Pilot Programme at Rishikul Sanatan College and it was encouraging to see the level of enthusiasm and commitment by the teachers and students of Rishikul Sanatan College. I am positive that the same will be witnessed here at Vunimono High School.
At this stage, I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the heads of the 10 schools that are piloting this Set Programme, and the FEO’s Training and Development Unit for making this initiative possible.
Today, 620 students from Years 11 to 13 along with 68 teachers will be electing the Head Boy and Head Girl, and your Years 11 and 12 Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl. I’ve been informed that four candidates are contesting the Head Boy’s position and four for Head Girl, four for Year 12’s Deputy Head Boy and five for Deputy Head Girl and six for Year 11’s Deputy Head Boy and five for Deputy Head Girl.
I was also informed that the nomination process was transparent and credible, showcasing the essence of our democratic process. I therefore praise the teachers and students of Vunimono High School for your commitment to transparency and credibility.
This initiative is crucial as it encourages you to not only experience the electoral processes at a younger age but get to understand the importance of you casting your ballot and having that opportunity to exercise your right to choose who you want to lead you.
To those that had put in their Expression of Interest but didn’t make it to the final list of candidates, I applaud your courage as you did not let fear stop you from participating in the nomination process. You are brave so don’t be disheartened.
For the candidates vying the 6 different positions, election is like a race and you are all runners running to win that prize but only one will come out a winner. Please accept the election result with humility. Remember transformation is progressive. You might not be chosen now but that should not stop you from aspiring for leadership roles.
To the successful candidates that will be filling the leadership roles that have been contested remember being in the position of power requires you to demonstrate a heart of integrity in every decision, word and action that you do. Lead by example and lead with honesty and fairness.
And of course, to you our young voters, you have an important task ahead of you, today you have the power to pick your leaders for the year. Use this power with care, choose wisely and choose freely the candidate of your choice without any intimidation or fear.
I’m pleased to inform you that several other schools are also conducting their elections today, so you’re not alone in this process. Having said that, I encourage you to go back to your respective families and share with them all you’ve learnt on elections and the importance of participating in a democratic process.
By sharing this knowledge, you are inspiring your family members to become more active participants in elections. Through your conversations, you are strengthening your connections with your communities that will develop a shared commitment to shaping the future through democratic engagement.
Now, let’s have some fun! When I say, “Are you SET?” I want you to respond with “I’m set for election!” Let’s try it: Are you SET? (Response: “I’m set for election!”) Again: Are you SET? (Response: “I’m set for election!”) One last time: Are you SET? (Response: “I’m set for election!”)
With those words, I thank you once again for having me here today and I wish you all the best in your election.
Thank You, Vinaka Vakalevu.
