The Electoral Commission Chairperson and Chief Guest, Justice Usaia Ratuvili;
Members of the Electoral Commission;
Representatives and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Permanent Secretaries and Representatives of Government Ministries and Agencies;
Municipal Council Chief Executive Officers;
Representatives of Political Parties;
Representatives of Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations;
Development Partner Representatives;
Members of the Media; and
Our Fellow Fijians joining us live.
Ara Na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you all.
Today, we embark on an important and long-awaited journey. It is a journey of connection, reaching out to our fellow Fijians both here at home and across the globe, to bring the electoral process directly to the people.
We are here to launch the YES Outreach. “YES” stands for Your Election, your Say. At the Fijian Elections Office, our core belief is simple, your election starts with you. It begins the moment you register, and it grows as you understand what elections are truly about. As we approach the Local Government Elections and the General Election, our goal is to put the power back where it belongs, in your hands. We want to empower you, our communities, to be informed, to be aware, and to confidently make the decision to vote for the leaders you trust to be your voice.
Fiji, the YES Outreach was designed with you in mind. It is a unified, people-centred approach that brings together Nationwide Voter Registration, Overseas Voter Registration, Community Engagement and Voter Awareness.
While we officially launch this initiative today, I am proud to share that our dedicated teams will be deployed across the breadth and width of our beloved Fiji.
Our mission is clear, to bring voter registration and awareness closer to every Fijian, both locally and overseas; to ensure every eligible voter is registered; and to make sure your details are up to date well ahead of the upcoming elections.
This includes nationwide voter registration for both the Local Government and General Elections, as well as overseas voter registration for our Fijian diaspora.
At the same time, we will be rolling out our Community Election Advocates programme and strengthening public awareness on registration schedules, eligibility, and where and how to register.
As we move forward, we will continue to provide clear and timely information on key dates, election processes, and what voters can expect, ensuring that every Fijian is informed, prepared, and able to participate.
Because at the end of the day, this is about ensuring that every Fijian understands their role and has the opportunity to take part in shaping our nation.
Ultimately, this outreach is about ensuring that every Fijian voice can be heard, and every vote counts. We urge each one of you to be an active participant in our democracy. Take this opportunity to register, update your details, and most importantly, when the time comes, cast your vote. Your participation is not just a right; it is the foundation of a strong, representative Fiji.
Let us all work together to make this election a true reflection of the will of the people. Your Election, your Say.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
