The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) today received a donation of digital equipment from the Government of New Zealand, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Fiji and New Zealand in strengthening Fiji’s democratic institutions and preparations for the upcoming General Election.
In her remarks, the Supervisor of Elections Ms Ana Mataiciwa, thanked the Government and people of Aotearoa New Zealand for their continued support, adding that this investment would further strengthen the FEO’s ability to serve the people of Fiji.
“As we continue our preparations for the upcoming General Election, having the right tools is just as important as having the right people. This investment strengthens our ability to engage with communities, produce high-quality voter awareness and educational content, communicate timely and accurate election information, and ultimately strengthen our ability to serve the people of Fiji by delivering professional, accessible, and trusted electoral services,” said Ms Mataiciwa.
The Supervisor of Elections said the donation reflected the strong and enduring partnership between Fiji and New Zealand, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to democratic governance.
“Your support will have a lasting impact on our ability to deliver electoral services to Fijians and to continue building public confidence in our electoral processes,” said Ms Mataiciwa.
In his right of reply, the New Zealand High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Mr Sam Cox said that he was pleased to continue that support with the handover of equipment as it will support the Fijian Elections Office in its work, including strengthening stakeholder engagement, voter awareness, and public communication across Fiji.
“I acknowledge that elections are both an exercise in democracy and also an exercise in logistics. I therefore want to recognise the staff of the Fijian Elections Office for their important work and express appreciation for their commitment to serving Fiji’s democracy,” Mr Sam Cox said.
Present at the handover ceremony were the Chargé d’Affaires of the New Zealand High Commission, Mr Sam Cox; New Zealand High Commission Staff, Members of the Electoral Commission, Commissioner Nemani Mati and Commissioner Susana Naisara; Technical Advisors from the New Zealand Electoral Commission; and FEO staff.
The equipment will be utilised by the FEO’s Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness Department and Production Unit to enhance voter awareness, public communications, stakeholder engagement and the production of high-quality multimedia content in support of electoral operations.
Supervisor of Elections Ms Ana Mataiciwa receives the donation of digital equipment from New Zealand High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Mr Sam Cox during the official handover ceremony at the Fijian Elections Office Warehouse.
