The Fiji Elections Office (FEO) is currently grappling with an outstanding debt of $45,000 owed to election officials from the 2018 general elections, as revealed in a recent hearing before a parliamentary committee. During this meeting, FEO financial controller Romika Sewak indicated that the delay in settling these payments is due to challenges in verifying employee data necessary for processing payments.
Around 12,000 election officials were brought on board for the 2018 elections, but many did not provide complete information, including essential documents such as FNPF numbers. As a result, the FEO is unable to disburse the remaining funds owed. Ms. Sewak clarified that after the elections, $160,000 had been transferred from the operating account to a trust fund to facilitate payments, but has since dwindled to approximately $63,000 after adjustments were made.
The FEO has been collaborating with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to clear the outstanding payments over the last two years. Director for Procedures Sanjeshwar Ram noted efforts to reach out for assistance in resolving these issues, mentioning that some payments from the 2018 elections have been cleared, leaving only the unverified payments outstanding.
Notably, for the 2022 General Election, the FEO managed to successfully process nearly all payments to election officials, with just a residual $300 left for individuals whose data remains unverified. The challenges faced during the 2018 election, where officials only worked for one day, complicated the verification process, showcasing the complexities involved with temporary electoral staff.
This situation highlights the importance of accurate data collection and the need for streamlined processes regarding employment verification to prevent similar issues in upcoming elections. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for the FEO and associated agencies to enhance their operational methods, ensuring that future elections run more smoothly and that all personnel are compensated in a timely manner.
Ultimately, the FEO’s ongoing attempt to resolve these outstanding payments, along with their proactive measures taken for the 2022 elections, indicates a commitment to improving the electoral process and maintaining accountability. The emphasis on resolving these issues is pivotal in restoring trust and ensuring that all election officials receive their rightful due, fostering a stronger electoral system in Fiji.
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