The Fijian Elections Office [FEO] is emphasizing the need for enhanced engagement and initiatives to facilitate increased involvement of women in the electoral process.

In shedding light on the current state of women’s participation in elections, the Acting Supervisor of Elections [ASoE] Ms. Ana Mataiciwa stated that statistics from previous elections, serve as a foundation for developing strategies to promote greater female representation in electoral affairs.

“Challenges persist mirroring a global trend where women frequently refrain from voting for female candidates. In the 2022 General Election, 345,240 women registered to vote, with 238,389 women casting their ballots. While the overall voter turnout for women exceeded that of men, only six (6) out of 54 women candidates were elected to Parliament. This constituted a mere 11% of the total number of elected candidates. For the number of votes received, 37, 252 votes were received for the women candidates. This represented 8% of the total number of votes recorded in 2022,” said Ms. Mataiciwa.

The ASoE added that there has been a noticeable decline in the number of women candidates contesting in the General Election over the years.

“In 2014, 44 out of 248 candidates were women, which was 18% of the total number of candidates. Eight (8) out of the 44 women candidates were elected into Parliament, which represented 16% of the total number of elected candidates. In terms of the number of votes received, 78, 216 votes were received for the women candidates. This represented 13% of the total number of votes recorded in 2014,” the ASoE stated.

Ms. Mataiciwa further stated that in 2018, 56 out of 235 candidates were women, which was 24% of the total number of candidates. Ten (10) out of the 56 women candidates were elected into Parliament. This represented 20% of the total number of elected candidates. For the number of votes received, 37, 435 votes were received for the women candidates. This represented 8% of the total number of votes recorded for 2018.

“However, with the recent changes to the Electoral (Voter Registration) Act 2012, particularly the names they can register with, I am positive that more women will freely participate in the electoral process moving forward.  I am also reminding women intending to register as voters that they can now do so without the need to alter their name on their birth certificate to reflect their married name,” Ms. Mataiciwa elaborated.

To facilitate seamless registration procedures, the FEO has outlined clear requirements:

• For new registrations: An original or certified copy of the Birth Certificate and a valid photo ID.
• For registration amendments or reprints: A valid ID only.

The amendment of the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012, which now eliminates the use of names on birth certificates in the voter registration application, was passed in Parliament in July 2023.

The FEO recognizes the importance of addressing disparities and remains hopeful that through a holistic and collaborative approach involving relevant authorities and stakeholders, significant progress can be achieved in enhancing women’s participation in elections in Fiji.