Respective political party leaders,
Political party representatives; and
Fijian Elections Office Colleagues,
Ara na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this workshop on the Introduction to Elections. As the Supervisor of Elections, I am delighted to see 21 representatives from the seven registered political parties gathered here, demonstrating your commitment to a fair, transparent, and efficient electoral process.
Elections as we all know, are the cornerstone of our democracy, and we must work together to uphold the integrity of this process. Therefore, our primary goal today is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the electoral procedures, regulations, and best practices that will govern our upcoming elections.
Over the next three days, you will embark on a journey to enhance your collective understanding of election administration, principles, and frameworks crucial to our democratic process.
For today’s session, you will delve into fundamental topics such as voting procedures, the principles of free and fair elections, and an overview of the electoral landscape in Fiji.
Tomorrow, you will explore critical issues such as equality, gender dynamics in elections, and strategies to enhance electoral participation among marginalized groups.
On the final day, you will address emerging challenges such as information disorders and ethical digital communication, crucial for maintaining the integrity of electoral processes.
It is worth noting that this workshop aligns well with the FEO’s pillars, focusing on legal compliance and institutional strengthening through professional training and capacity development opportunities for political parties.
Having said that, I would like to remind you this workshop is not just about imparting information but also about fostering collaboration and dialogue. I encourage you to ask questions, share your experiences, and provide feedback. Your insights are invaluable in helping us refine our processes and ensure that we conduct elections that are not only free and fair but also reflective of the will of the Fijian people.
I take this opportunity to thank each of you for your dedication and hard work. The role you play as representatives of political parties in the electoral process is crucial, and your participation in this workshop is a testament to your commitment to democratic principles.
Let us use this time productively to learn, discuss, and prepare for a successful election. Together, we can ensure that our elections are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
As an author once said and I quote, the essence of a democratic process is the opportunity for a political choice, where different parties can contest and the will of the people is reflected through a fair and transparent election, unquote.
Thank you once again for your commitment to advancing democratic practices in Fiji and let’s make the most of this workshop to build a brighter future for our electoral processes.
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to declare the Workshop on ‘Introduction to Elections for Political Party Representatives’ open. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and may he give you peace.
Thank You, Vinaka Vakalevu.
