The Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Ms Ana Mataiciwa, while opening the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections (BRIDGE) Workshop on Civic and Voter Education in Suva today, emphasized the importance of the role the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) plays in ensuring the delivery of voter and civic education in strengthening democracy.
“At the Fijian Elections Office, we believe that a strong democracy is built on knowledge, participation, and trust. Our mission is to ensure that every Fijian, regardless of their background or location, has access to accurate, timely, and inclusive (to the extent possible) electoral information,” said Ms Mataiciwa.
The SoE also emphasized the need for the FEO to adopt a more inclusive approach in engaging with the public to transform the approach and ensure it is user friendly.
“We must transform the way we approach our fellow Fijians. Instead of simply dishing out information for administrative convenience, we need to make our processes more user-friendly and ensure that all Fijians are well-informed and better engaged in the electoral process,” Ms Mataiciwa stated.
The SoE added that it was more than just an initiative, but a promise.
“This is more than just an initiative. It is a promise to the people of Fiji that we will continue working tirelessly to ensure free, fair, and informed electoral participation,” Ms Mataiciwa elaborated.
The 3-day workshop which is organized for senior staff of the FEO, is part of the FEO’s ongoing commitment to fostering a well-informed, engaged, and empowered electorate as the nation prepares for the 2026 General Election.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the BRIDGE Workshop will equip participants with essential skills and strategies to enhance voter education efforts across Fiji. The Supervisor of Elections extended its gratitude to UNDP for its continued partnership in advancing electoral processes in the country.
The workshop will cover key areas such as:
- Best practices in voter and civic education
- Strategies for engaging underrepresented communities and first-time voters
- Innovative outreach methods, including digital engagement
- Collaborative approaches to ensuring no voter is left behind
The joint FEO and UNDP Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Fiji Project was also highlighted as a critical initiative to improve transparency, foster civic engagement, and expand voter awareness. Through the project, the FEO aims to reach communities that may feel disconnected from the electoral process and ensure their full participation in the democratic process.
Workshop participants will have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises, share best practices, and develop innovative outreach strategies tailored to Fiji’s electoral landscape. The workshop also featured sessions led by FEO’s Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness Department and Learning and Development Department, emphasizing the FEO’s commitment to voter education.
The FEO remains committed to empowering Fijians with the knowledge and confidence needed to actively participate in the electoral process, ensuring that democracy in Fiji continues to thrive.
