The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) together with the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted the Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Pacific Regional Talanoa that was held, last week at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.
Over the five (5) days, Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the Pacific region engaged in meaningful Talanoa aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and inclusion through building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
The Talanoa, which was held from 18 to 22 November 2024, focused on collaboration to address challenges such as misinformation, inclusivity, and trust deficits in electoral systems. Designed in the spirit of the Pacific’s traditional Talanoa, the event fostered open, honest, and inclusive discussions among participants.
The workshop featured a range of activities, including national presentations, expert-led sessions, and stakeholder mapping exercises, all of which provided practical strategies for fostering trust and inclusion in elections. Case studies on conflict resolution and combating misinformation highlighted best practices, while expert facilitators from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the FEO shared valuable insights into strengthening stakeholder engagement. Participants left with actionable, EMB-specific strategies to make electoral systems more inclusive, transparent, and resilient.
The Supervisor of Elections, Ms Ana Salaivalu Mataiciwa, eloquently captured the essence of the gathering with her reflection on the importance of collaboration and trust. Ms Mataiciwa emphasized that partnerships are at the heart of successful electoral systems, serving as the bridge between EMBs and the communities they serve. The SoE underscored that trust, nurtured through open dialogue and shared commitment, is a cornerstone of democratic integrity.
“This Talanoa has reminded us of the power of collaboration and trust. By strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, we ensure that elections are not only credible but inclusive and transparent”, said Ms Mataiciwa.
Reflecting on the outcomes, Ms Mataiciwa, emphasized the transformative impact of the strategies developed during the event. Her remarks underscored the commitment to creating electoral processes that are not only robust but also inclusive and representative of all voices within a democracy.
“The strategies we have developed here will not only strengthen electoral integrity but also ensure that no voice is left unheard in our democratic processes. Let us take these lessons forward with courage, humility, and determination,” Ms Mataiciwa stated.
The CEP Pacific Regional Talanoa marks a significant milestone in fostering regional cooperation and capacity building among Pacific EMBs. The strategies developed during the event will play a crucial role in preparations for Fiji’s General Election in 2026.
The FEO and Commonwealth Secretariat extended their gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and contributors for their dedication and insights during the Talanoa.
Middle Row: Fredrick Bosoboe (Operations Manager, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission), Sepoima Toniai (Electoral Officer, Office of the Electoral Commissioner, Samoa), Rahul Chand (Legal Officer, Fijian Elections Office), Eretita Tiimi (Senior Election Officer, Kiribati Electoral Commission), Marita Agigo (Executive Associate, Nauru Electoral Commission), Ronita Chand (Procurement Coordinator, Fijian Elections Office), Bura Maro (Momase Regional Manager, PNGEC), Benjamin Kiluwe (Chief Electoral Officer, RMI), Fredah Joses (Training Manager, PNGEC).
Front Row: Commissioner Ratu Inoke Dokonaivalu (Electoral Commission of Fiji Member), Lindsey Adjei (Programme Assistant, Commonwealth Secretariat), Jonathon Milligan (Programme Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat), Ana Mataiciwa (Supervisor of Elections, Fiji), Samson Itodo (Electoral & Training Consultant), Karyl Winter (Manager International, NZEC), Commissioner Nemani Mati (Electoral Commission of Fiji Member).
