The Acting Commissioner Fiji Corrections Service;
The Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections;
Officials of the Fiji Corrections Service;
Members of my FEO Family;
Ara Na Yadra and a very victorious morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to be here at the Fiji Corrections Service Headquarters for the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) and the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).
I wish to begin by thanking the Acting Commissioner and his team for hosting us today and for their continued cooperation in supporting Fiji’s electoral processes.
Today’s signing marks an important step in formalising our cooperation and strengthening institutional coordination in two key operational areas.
Firstly, the MOU supports the maintenance of an accurate and credible National Register of Voters. Through the timely provision of information on individuals serving prison sentences of 12 months or more, and those who have completed their sentences, the FCS will assist the FEO in ensuring that the Register is updated in accordance with the relevant electoral laws.
Secondly, the MOU facilitates pre-poll voting arrangements within correctional facilities. This includes identifying eligible staff and inmates, preparing accurate voter lists and coordinating voting arrangements at facilities approved by the Electoral Commission.
As we prepare for the upcoming Electoral events, this partnership is particularly important in ensuring that electoral processes remain inclusive, transparent and compliant with the law.
It also reinforces our shared responsibility to safeguard the integrity of electoral information while ensuring that eligible voters are afforded the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.
On behalf of the FEO, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Acting Commissioner and the entire FCS team for their commitment and cooperation in bringing this MOU to fruition.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and working together to uphold the integrity and credibility of Fiji’s electoral processes.
Vinaka vakalevu and thank you.
