Youth representatives;
IFES Officials; and
FEO Colleagues.
‘Ara Na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you all,
I am delighted to be here to open this important workshop on the Introduction to Elections for you, our youth.
Just last week, I opened a similar workshop in Suva, where twenty (20) youths from different organizations participated. It was fascinating to see how youths view elections and the democratic process as a whole. From the discussions, it was clear that while their perceptions differ from those of the older generation, their ideas are innovative and creative.
Over the next three (3) days, we hope to equip you, our youth, with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in and contribute to our electoral processes. This workshop, conducted in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), represents a significant step towards fostering a culture of informed and engaged young voters in Fiji.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizations that have collaborated with us to identify the enthusiastic and promising participants here today. These organizations include the National Youth Council of Fiji, Fiji Council of Social Services, Fiji National University Student Association, University of the South Pacific Student Association, Sanatan Fiji, and Soqosoqo Vakamarama I-Taukei. Your support and partnership are invaluable in making this initiative a success.
I am even more delighted as this workshop aligns with the Fijian Elections Office’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, particularly Pillar 3, which focuses on Institutional Strengthening. Additionally, our Measurable Objective 3.8.3 emphasizes the importance of providing quarterly workshops or capacity development opportunities. Therefore, this workshop marks the realization of this objective as we invest in the future leaders of our nation.
The FEO as an organization is fully aware of the major role youth play in electoral participation. Our youth, yes you, form a significant percentage of our National Register of Voters. Thus, it is crucial that our youth are provided with a general understanding of electoral processes to enable them to become agents of promoting free and fair elections.
The objectives for this workshop are clear. They are to;
- Equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively contribute towards electoral processes.
- Empower you to collaborate with the FEO during electoral processes, and
- Build trust and foster a network among you, our youth.
Therefore, over the next three (3) days, you will delve into various topics essential for understanding and participating in our electoral processes.
Today, you will cover Voting & Elections, Free & Fair Elections, an Overview of Elections in Fiji, Voting on Election Day, and Seat Allocation.
Tomorrow, you will discuss Equality vs. Equity, Marginalized Voters and Groups with Special Needs, Gender & Elections, Electoral Participation and Women, Understanding Disability, and Making Elections More Accessible for Persons with Disabilities.
On the final day, you will explore Understanding Information Disorders, Identifying False and Harmful Information, Combatting Information Disorders, and Ethical Digital Communication and Media Literacy.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage each of you to actively engage, share your perspectives, and absorb as much knowledge
as possible. Our democracy thrives when its citizens, especially the youth, are well-informed, actively engaged, and committed to upholding the principles of free and fair elections. Your voice is powerful. By participating in elections and being informed voters, you can influence policies and decisions that affect your everyday lives.
I would also like to thank IFES for their collaboration and support, our partner organizations for their invaluable contributions, and all of you for your enthusiasm and commitment to this cause. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive, and democratic future for Fiji.
With these words, I declare the Introduction to Elections for Youths Workshop open. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may HIS face shine upon you and give you peace.
Thank You, Vinaka Vakalevu.
