A total of 450 Fijians across the four divisions in Fiji will become Community Election Advocates after a three-week training by the Fijian Elections Office.
While opening the CEA’s training today at the Suva Market Hall, the Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Ms Anaseini Senimoli, reminded the CEA participants in Suva that their collective support is helping the FEO empower communities with the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully in Fiji’s electoral process.
“We will teach you the effective communication of Election information, but you already have one thing no training can teach, and that is your connection with your community,” Ms Senimoli said.
“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.”
The ADSoE reiterated that this journey will come with challenges, and they 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.”
Ms Senimoli challenged the participants not to leave the training simply with knowledge but to leave with purpose, confidence, and the determination to make a difference.
The CEA Programme is a project under the joint FEO and the UNDP VOTE-Fiji Project that is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
