Representatives of United Nations Development Programme VOTE-Fiji Project;
Representatives of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs;
Representatives of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
CEA Participants;
And my FEO family.
Ni Sa Yadra Vinaka and a very Victorious Morning to you all!
At the Fijian Elections Office, we don’t simply say good morning or good afternoon. We say Victorious Morning!
Because in life, you are either going through a storm, coming out of one, or preparing to face one. Whatever storm you may be facing, as your FEO family, we declare victory over it!
At the outset, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, through the VOTE-Fiji Project, for its invaluable partnership in making this Community Elections Advocate Programme possible. I also wish to acknowledge the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for their generous support and continued commitment to strengthening electoral participation in Fiji.
It is indeed an honour to be here with you all this morning here in what many of you participants consider is your second home and safe space we thank you for choosing to join hands with us.
You are here for a reason. Your communities have placed their trust and confidence in you, recognising your ability to lead, connect and serve. Thank you for answering that call.
Your collective support is helping us empower communities with the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully in Fiji’s electoral processes. For this, we are truly grateful.
Over the next two days, we will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become trusted voices within your communities.
We will teach you the effective communication of Election information. But you already have one thing no training can teach: your connection with your community.
You know your people, understand their challenges, and speak their language. That is your greatest strength.
As Community Elections Advocates, you will engage with everyone, from first-time voters to our elderly citizens, ensuring they receive accurate and reliable electoral information.
But this journey will come with challenges. You will encounter misinformation, political pressure, and people who may simply not be interested.
And when those moments come, remember this: your political neutrality is your greatest strength. It is what earns you the trust of everyone, regardless of their political beliefs.
The FEO will continue supporting you through regular guidance, weekly instructions, and direct communication channels. But that support must be matched by your commitment.
Because success is not measured by grand gestures. It is measured by the small differences you make every day. One conversation. One person assisted with registration. One piece of misinformation corrected. That is how we strengthen democracy.
As you return to your communities, remember three things:
First, start small and build gradually. Every effort counts.
Second, listen more than you speak. Activate your humility and understand your people’s needs.
Third, protect your political neutrality. Your credibility depends on it.
Ladies and gentlemen, your communities will be watching. They will want to know whether this programme will make a difference.
And the answer lies with YOU.
In your actions, your integrity, and your commitment to serve.
So, I challenge you: do not leave this training simply with knowledge. Leave with purpose, confidence, and the determination to make a difference.
Welcome to the CEA family. Let us learn together, grow together, and serve our communities with pride.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.
