The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) officially launched the Election Officials Training today at the Southern Cross Hotel in Suva. While opening the training, the Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Ms Ana Mataiciwa, said this training will extend to the four (4) divisions as the FEO prepares Election Officials to serve during the upcoming General Election.
“Election Officials, your selection comes with an important responsibility. When the General Election comes, you will be among the thousands of men and women entrusted with delivering the election on the ground,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
“You will be the face of the Fijian Elections Office at our polling venues and polling stations, and for many voters, you will be their direct experience of the electoral process. That is why this training matters.”
A total of 13,861 Fijians have passed the Computer-Based Test, and the FEO team is verifying documentation of these Fijians for confirmation of training; this is an ongoing process.
The SoE reiterated that the laws, manuals and Standard Operating Procedures provide the framework, but it is the Election Officials who must put them into practice; accurately, consistently, professionally, and impartially.
“As the first participants in this national rollout, I encourage you to set the standard for those who will follow. Participate fully. Ask questions. Learn from your facilitators and, most importantly, leave this training confident in your role and ready to serve.”
The Election Officials Training is facilitated by the Learning and Development Department and Field Trainers.
This training will continue from today until November and will see a total of 70 Field Trainers conducting approximately 720 training sessions nationwide.
