A delegation from the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) participated in a four-day Knowledge Exchange Programme with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in Canberra, Australia, from 07 to 10 September 2026.
The delegation comprised Electoral Commission Commissioner Ms Susan Naisara; Supervisor of Elections Ms Ana Mataiciwa; Executive Secretary Ms Veniana Raitamata; Manager ICT Mr Asish Prakash; Acting Community and International Engagement Coordinator Mr Ravikesh Chand; and Media Relations and Communications Coordinator Ms Ana Ravulo.
The programme provided an opportunity for the Electoral Management Body (EMB) to exchange knowledge, experiences and best practices across key areas of election administration.
Discussions focused on results transmission from a media perspective, the AEC’s Disinformation Register, election results processes, Officer-in-Charge returns and results, as well as the work of the AEC’s Community Engagement Team.
Supervisor of Elections Ms Ana Mataiciwa said the knowledge gained through the programme would be valuable as the FEO continues preparations for the upcoming General Election and strengthens its readiness for a possible referendum.
“We will take home what we have learnt from the AEC and look at how we can adapt these practices to suit Fiji’s electoral environment and the needs of our people,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
“This exchange is important for the FEO because the knowledge and experience gained will not only support our preparations for the upcoming General Election, but will also strengthen the way we deliver future electoral events,” said Ms Mataiciwa in acknowledging the AEC for hosting the delegation and for its continued commitment to sharing electoral knowledge and expertise.
The programme further strengthened the longstanding partnership between the Fiji EMB and the AEC and reaffirmed the value of continued collaboration and capacity building. The programme was made possible through the FEO and AEC bilateral programme under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
