The Fijian Elections Office[‘FEO’] has today commenced with Hub-Leader Training for selected Election Officials who will be managing operations at various Hub Offices for the 2022 General Election.

In highlighting the importance of the training, Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Mohammed Saneem said Hub leaders would be the primary contact for Presiding Officers during the election and it was imperative that they understood their roles and responsibilities well.

“The FEO’s mission is to conduct free and fair elections. In order to achieve this objective, we need to maintain the trust and confidence of the Fijian people and I am sure that you understand that this requires you to be transparent, neutral, honest and approachable while conducting yourselves professionally and in compliance with the law,” Mr. Saneem said in his address to the participants.

Mr Saneem urged Hub Leaders to become well versed with the Electoral Act 2014, and the Code of Conduct that they will receive as part of their training.

“The Code of Conduct defines the way in which the Electoral Commission and the FEO embrace their responsibilities. All Election Officials are required to sign a declaration to acknowledge that they have read and understood the Code of Conduct and that they agree to abide by it,” he explained.

“A lot of time and resources have been utilized so far in the planning of the 2022 General Election. The culmination of all our efforts will come when you all will carry out your responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

“I strongly encourage you to read and understand your roles and responsibilities as defined in the Hub Leaders Manual. I am confident that you will put all your energy and efforts into both this training program and your work.”

A total of 58 officials will be trained for the Central and Eastern divisions, 24 for the Western and 28 for the Northern Division.

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