The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,
The Commissioner of Police,
The Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC),
The respective officers from RFMF, Fiji Police Force, and FICAC,
Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
My FEO Family.
Ara Na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you all,
It is a great privilege to stand before you today for the Signing of the Terms of Reference for the Election Security Advisory Group, or ESAG.
Let me first acknowledge the presence of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner of FICAC. Your leadership and commitment to the security and integrity of Fiji’s elections are invaluable. Your remarks today remind us that while each institution has a distinct mandate, our strength comes from working together toward a common purpose, which is the protection of the democratic process and the people of Fiji.
The Fijian Elections Office is an independent electoral management body responsible for conducting general and other elections in Fiji. Since 2014, we have administered three General Elections, each time striving to improve the integrity, credibility, and efficiency of our processes. But elections are not delivered by the FEO alone. They require the coordinated efforts of all our security and regulatory partners, and that is what this Terms of Reference facilitates.
This ToR is not just an administrative document but a national commitment. It provides clarity, structure, and accountability, ensuring that all institutions involved understand their responsibilities and work together seamlessly. More importantly, it reassures every Fijian that their vote, their voice, and their democratic rights will be respected and protected.
Allow me to briefly outline the role we as institutions play under this framework:
- The Fiji Police Force maintains law and order, enforces electoral laws, and ensures that polling stations, election materials, and voters are secure. Under this ToR, the Police Force will continue to lead operational and tactical responses to security incidents while coordinating effectively with other agencies.
- FICAC investigates and addresses electoral offenses, including campaign violations, vote-buying, and breaches of election financing laws. Under this ToR, FICAC’s role in monitoring, complaint handling, and collaboration ensures that integrity is maintained throughout the election process.
- The Republic of Fiji Military Forces provides logistical support, including identifying pre-poll venues and assisting with postal voting for overseas peacekeeping personnel. Under this ToR, their support guarantees that elections are administered safely and efficiently, even in remote or operationally sensitive locations.
The ESAG ToR also outlines activities that all agencies must align with.
- With Risk Assessment and Mitigation, agencies will prepare and review comprehensive risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies and define roles and coordination mechanisms.
- On Coordination and Collaboration, through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and resource planning, agencies will respond efficiently to election security challenges.
- With Public Information and Communication, agencies will ensure accurate, timely, and reliable information reaches voters and stakeholders to build trust and counter misinformation.
- For Training and Capacity Development, personnel will be trained in electoral laws, processes, and security protocols to enhance preparedness.
- For the Post-Election Review, lessons learned workshops and post-election evaluations will identify improvements and strengthen future election security practices.
- With Monitoring and Oversight, emerging risks, including cyber threats and misuse of technology, will be continuously monitored to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
This holistic approach guarantees that election security covers every stage of the electoral cycle, pre-election, election day, and post-election. It protects voters, election officials, and election materials while promoting transparency, trust, and confidence in our democracy.
The ESAG is a continuing body, meeting regularly during election years and as needed in non-election years, to address emerging threats. The FEO will provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and secretariat support to facilitate operations and ensure timely reporting.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us remember this. Democracy does not protect itself. It is safeguarded by people, by institutions, and by frameworks such as the ToR we are signing today. This ToR is not about us. It is about every voter in Fiji. It is about ensuring that their choices are respected, their rights are upheld, and their voices are the ones that shape the future of our beloved nation.
With those words, I reaffirm our commitment to protect the will of the Fijian people. Let us move forward with unity, determination, and purpose, ensuring that every vote is protected, every voice is heard, and our democracy remains resilient and unshakable.
Together, we are not just protecting an election. We are protecting the trust of the people, the integrity of our institutions, and the future of our nation.
May this ToR guide us, motivate us, and help us deliver elections that all Fijians can trust.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
