Bula vinaka and a very good morning to all of you.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today to officiate at the opening of the Election Disability Access Working Group (EDWAG) 4 -Year Work Plan Workshop for Inclusive Election.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding the program and the Pacific Community’s Human Rights and Social Development Division (HRSD) for organizing today’s workshop. Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and vinaka vakalevu to all the EDAWG Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) for the unwavering support and commitment shown in ensuring election materials were made available for persons with disabilities during the 2022 General Elections. Your cooperative efforts have contributed greatly to the inclusion of Fijian voters with disabilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
One of the universal core values of the United Nations is Democracy. Some essential elements of democracy are respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections.
In addition, for democratic governance, the rule of law, social inclusion, economic development, and the advancement of all human rights, political and public participation is crucial.
Participation rights on the other hand are important in empowering individuals and groups, which is essential to eliminate marginalization and discrimination.
These rights are also inseparably linked to other human rights such as the right to peaceful assembly and association, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to education and information and the right to vote.
Given that the belief of holding elections is an element of democracy, elections therefore should be as inclusive as possible, for voters and candidates alike. An inclusive election process, is also one that is based on open, broad consultation with stakeholders.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s workshop is a hallmark of what is needed to ensure that the 2026 General Election has greater level of participation and inclusion. Today’s workshop is a milestone achievement, as you work together in developing a comprehensive four-year work plan that will guide the EDAWG and the FEO in conducting a more inclusive General Election in 2026.
I’ve been informed that the recommendations that were proposed in the first EDAWG meeting will also be reviewed and discussed during the workshop. I therefore encourage you all to openly share your thoughts and experiences and confidently contribute to developing the 4-year workplan. Keep the momentum going and let us all work together in improving support services for Fijian voters with disabilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Multinational Observers Group (MOG) acknowledged the efforts of the FEO and EDWAG in promoting the participation of Fijian voters with disabilities in the electoral process and further recommended the continuation of the EDAWG, this is something you all should be proud of.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I can assure you that your participation in today’s workshop is never a coincidence. You are not here by accident nor by chance. You are here because your contribution is valuable and you are part of the bigger picture.
With these words, I wish you well in your deliberations and I look forward to receiving the final draft of the EDWAG 4 – Year Work Plan for Inclusive Election.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu.
