The Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Ms Anaseini Senimoli
Technical Advisers from the New Zealand Electoral Commission; and
Members of my FEO family;
Ara na yadra, and a Victorious Morning to you all.
We are in a sacred season. The work before us from Writ to Return of Writ period is not only administrative but crucial in Fiji’s democracy.
The Electoral Commission provides oversight. The FEO Team provides the hands, the voice and the accountability on the ground. Different roles but one purpose: to deliver a free, fair and credible election for the people of Fiji.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Now, Legal Team your precision protects the law, Stakeholder Engagement your relationship builds trust with our Fijians, Communications your clarity keeps Fiji informed and Audit Team your diligence guards our integrity.
When we work together, God multiplies the impact. So, for the duration of this workshop, I expect you to consolidate, coordinate, and review all activities, timelines, responsibilities, and project deliverables in preparation for the upcoming General Election.
This workshop provides an important opportunity for you and your department to present, align, and finalize your respective Writ to Return of Writ activities. More importantly, it is a chance to ensure that every task is coordinated, every responsibility is clear, and every department is election-ready before we enter one of the most critical phases of the electoral process.
This is a continuation of the workshop that was held last month, and it will allow all departments here today to factor in the activities from other operational activities.
Over the next three days, I encourage everyone to actively participate. Share your ideas, ask questions, provide constructive feedback, and challenge one another where necessary. Through collaboration and open discussion, we can identify gaps, strengthen our planning, and ensure we are fully prepared for the work ahead.
As I reminded our FEO family during our workshop at Pearl Resort last month, everything we do must be guided by the principles that define our institution: Accuracy, Transparency, Impartiality, Humility, and Security. These are not just values we speak about—they are the standards by which the people of Fiji will judge the work we do throughout the election period.
So, let’s commit to this workshop and finish strong, and let’s finish united because history will record this moment.
I now declare this workshop open. Vinaka vakalevu for your service to Fiji and to democracy. May God bless the work of our hands.
