Trust is the foundation of democracy, Fiji’s Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa told attendees at a recent Election Security Risk Assessment Workshop. She emphasized that the people of Fiji rely on the electoral system to ensure their votes are cast without fear, counted without compromise, and protected against threats—whether physical, cyber, or procedural. Trust, she noted, cannot be taken for granted; it must be earned through vigilance, professionalism, and a shared sense of responsibility.
The workshop was convened for the Electoral Security Advisory Group, a body that includes the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Fijian Elections Office. Mataiciwa described the group as a milestone in electoral preparedness, underscoring that no single institution can defend democracy alone. The collective expertise of defence, law enforcement, anti-corruption, and electoral management agencies will help ensure Fiji’s elections remain free, fair, and secure.
This emphasis on interagency collaboration comes as Fiji moves toward the 2026 general elections. Mataiciwa and Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu have discussed prioritizing stronger security arrangements, and a dedicated liaison team has been established to facilitate ongoing cooperation between the police and the FEO. The team will bridge the two agencies, reinforcing a shared commitment to transparency and efficiency in the electoral framework.
Officials point to past challenges as a catalyst for reform, with ongoing efforts to bolster voting processes, data handling, and the dissemination of results. There are plans to move toward a more transparent results model, including the development of a new media center to coordinate information with the media and other stakeholders, and to move away from earlier data-transfer tools linked to past missteps. In parallel, preparations such as polling venue assessments and broader civic engagement initiatives continue as Fiji approaches the 2026 electoral cycle and local government elections.
Taken together, Mataiciwa and her partners frame a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s democracy: a credible, inclusive electoral process anchored in public trust and reinforced by vigilant, collaborative security and governance. The ongoing work signals a national commitment to protecting every vote and ensuring citizens’ voices are heard and respected.
Notes for editors and readers:
– The interagency ESAG framework reflects a deliberate move to distribute responsibilities across security, governance, and electoral management to strengthen accountability and unity of purpose.
– Ongoing reforms and outreach efforts, including improved data integrity measures and transparent results dissemination, are aimed at rebuilding and sustaining public confidence ahead of the 2026 elections.
Summary:
Fiji is advancing a coordinated, interagency approach to electoral security and integrity as it prepares for the 2026 elections. By strengthening trust through collaboration among security forces, anti-corruption authorities, and the electoral office, officials aim for a more transparent, credible, and inclusive democratic process. The emphasis on risk assessment, liaison between key agencies, and improvements in data handling and results dissemination offers a hopeful path forward for Fiji’s electoral landscape.
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