The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,
The Commissioner of Police,
The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC),
The respective officers from RFMF, Fiji Police Force, and FICAC,
Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
My FEO Family.
Ara Na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you All,
It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you all to this Electoral Security Advisory Group (ESAG) Coordination Workshop. Your presence here today is more than just attendance. It is a powerful testament to our collective commitment to protecting the integrity of Fiji’s electoral process.
Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of any democracy. They reflect the will of the people, shape the future of our nation, and uphold the trust that citizens of this country place in our institutions. But as we all know, a secure election does not happen by chance. It requires thorough and careful planning, strong coordination, and unwavering vigilance.
That is why this workshop is so critical. It is an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnerships, refine our strategies, and ensure that every Fijian can exercise their democratic right safely and with confidence.
At this point, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner of FICAC, along with your dedicated officers, for your steadfast commitment to electoral security. Your collaboration is essential in fostering public trust in our electoral process and is therefore appreciated.
I also want to acknowledge the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Their continuous partnership has been instrumental in strengthening electoral security, helping us build the capacity to anticipate and respond effectively to emerging challenges.
As we look ahead to future elections, we must ask ourselves:
- Are we prepared for the challenges that may arise?
- Are our security measures strong enough to withstand threats?
- Are we doing everything we can to protect the integrity of our democracy?
The answer must be a resounding YES. And that is why we are here today.
Through the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Fiji Project, a joint initiative between FEO and UNDP, I am pleased to announce that we have secured funding to review and strengthen ESAG. This marks a transformative shift. ESAG will no longer be just a coordination body, but a proactive and action-driven force focused on key aspects of electoral security.
This workshop is a critical milestone under Output 4 of the VOTE Fiji Project, which is Strengthening ESAG – Elevating Election Security, Collaboration, and Preparedness. Over the next two days, we will engage in:
- In-depth discussions on electoral security principles,
- A review of our operational frameworks to identify areas for improvement, and
- Strategic planning to mitigate risks and safeguard elections
More importantly, this workshop will provide us with the platform to;
- Deepen our understanding of electoral security threats and best practices,
- Strengthen our coordination among security agencies and election stakeholders,
- Clearly define our roles and responsibilities to ensure seamless security operations, and
- Finalize the 2024-2026 ESAG Workplan, creating a structured approach to electoral security preparedness.
Therefore, I would like to remind you that this is not just another meeting, but a Call to Action.
Each of us here today carries a responsibility to protect the integrity of our democracy, to ensure that no voter feels unsafe, and to uphold a process that is fair, transparent, and beyond question.
So, I urge you to engage, speak up, and challenge ideas. Share your expertise. Because the decisions we make in this room will shape the security of elections for years to come.
Before I conclude, I once again thank you all, our distinguished guests, security agencies, and development partners, for your dedication to this mission. Your commitment is what makes the difference.
In closing, I offer this blessing from Numbers chapter 6 verses 24 to 26 and I quote, “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace,” unquote.
With those words, it is my privilege to officially declare this ESAG Coordination Workshop open.
Thank You, Vinaka Vakalevu.
