The Fijian Elections Office today began the Awareness Training of Trainers for its staff at the Stakeholders Engagement & Awareness Department at the Headquarters Office and the Division Offices.
During the opening of the training, the Supervisor of Elections, Ms Ana Mataiciwa, reaffirmed to the participants that they are not simply participants, but are trainers, communicators and leaders.
“What you learn here must be taken back to the divisions and passed on with confidence, consistency and purpose to the teams who will engage directly with voters across Fiji,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
“Our awareness work is not simply about telling people how to vote. It is about helping Fijians understand why their vote matters, why they should be prepared to vote, and how they can participate confidently when the time comes.”
The SoE emphasised that every voter has a different story, circumstances, and reasons for participating, but ultimately, every voter should understand that their vote gives them a voice in choosing the representatives who will make decisions that affect their lives, families, and communities.
“That is the message we must carry across the country. So, during this training, learn the material well, but more importantly, learn how to connect with the people,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
Ms Mataiciwa reiterated that whether they are speaking to a first-time voter, a farmer, a market vendor, a university student, a voter in a maritime community, or a Fijian living overseas, the message must be clear, accurate, impartial and engaging. The FEO is ready, and now we must take that readiness to our voters.
There are currently 12 participants in the three-day training. These participants will become facilitators who will train 240 admin assistants. These assistants will go out to their respective communities to raise awareness of why voting matters and how Fijians can vote.
The awareness period will be from 06 October to 14 November 2026.
