In opening the Electoral Security Advisory Group (ESAG) Coordination Workshop held in Suva today, the Supervisor of Elections, Ms Ana Mataiciwa emphasized the critical role of electoral security in fostering public confidence.
“Free, fair, and secure elections are the foundation of any democracy. They reflect the will of the people and uphold the trust that citizens place in our institutions. A secure election does not happen by chance—it requires meticulous planning, strong coordination, and unwavering vigilance,” said Ms Mataiciwa.
Ms Mataiciwa added that the workshop was more than a meeting, but a call to action for all stakeholders involved.
“Each of us here today carries a responsibility to protect the integrity of our democracy. Our security measures must be robust, our coordination must be seamless, and our commitment unwavering,” Ms Mataiciwa stated.
The workshop which is hosted by the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), marks a significant milestone in enhancing electoral security and ensuring a safe and credible electoral process in Fiji. It also stresses the collective commitment to protecting the integrity of Fiji’s electoral system through strategic planning, coordination, and capacity-building.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the FEO.
The workshop is a key initiative under Output 4 of the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Fiji Project, a joint effort between FEO and UNDP. Through this project, funding has been secured to review and strengthen ESAG, transitioning it from a coordination body to a proactive and action-driven force addressing key electoral security challenges.
Over the two-day workshop, participants will engage in:
- In-depth discussions on electoral security principles.
- A review of operational frameworks to identify areas for improvement.
- Strategic planning to mitigate risks and safeguard elections; and
- The finalization of the 2024 – 2026 ESAG Workplan.
The FEO extends its appreciation to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, FICAC, and UNDP for their continued partnership and dedication to electoral security. Their collaboration remains instrumental in ensuring that all Fijians can exercise their democratic rights safely and with confidence.
