Ara Na Yadra and a Victorious Morning to you all.
Representatives of Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations.
I warmly welcome you to this Stakeholder Workshop on the Local Government Elections Regulations.
Your presence here today is important.
Across Fiji, you are the trusted voices within communities. You are the bridge between institutions and the people.
The Local Government Elections are about representation at the community level, ensuring that every municipality reflects the voices and needs of its people.
These Regulations provide the framework that makes that possible. They guide how voters are registered, how candidates are nominated, and how elections are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.
But laws alone do not create participation, people do, and that is where you come in. Through your networks and community outreach, you have the ability to:
- encourage eligible Fijians to register;
- help communities understand their rights and responsibilities; and
- promote informed and peaceful participation in the elections.
This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge to support that work.
At the same time, I must emphasise the importance of neutrality. Your role is not to campaign, but to inform, to educate, and to empower, so that every eligible Fijian can make their own choice freely and confidently.
Together, we can ensure that participation is inclusive, informed, and meaningful. The Fijian Elections Office values your partnership, and we look forward to working closely with you.
Vinaka vakalevu, and I wish you a productive session.
