Fiji notes trust as the cornerstone of democracy as Election Security Workshop underscores preparations for the 2026 polls
The Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, reaffirmed that public trust remains the central pillar of Fiji’s democratic process as the country gears up for its 2026 general elections. Speaking at the opening of an Election Security Risk Assessment Workshop held yesterday, Mataiciwa, who chairs the Electoral Security Advisory Group, reminded security stakeholders that public confidence must never be taken for granted.
“The people of Fiji trust us to ensure that their votes are cast without fear, counted without compromise, and protected against any form of threat, whether physical, cyber, or procedural,” she said.
The Election Security Advisory Group (ESAG) comprises the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), and the Fijian Elections Office. The workshop focused on identifying risks before, during, and after the election period, developing tested mitigation strategies, and clearly defining the roles of each agency to strengthen accountability, discipline, and unity of purpose in safeguarding elections. Mataiciwa stressed that proactive collaboration among agencies is vital to keeping Fiji’s elections secure, transparent, and credible.
This emphasis on interagency cooperation aligns with broader efforts underway as Fiji moves toward the 2026 electoral cycle. Recent discussions between Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and Mataiciwa highlighted the prioritization of collaboration between the Fiji Police Force and the Fijian Elections Office to ensure security arrangements support a smooth and orderly electoral process. A dedicated liaison team has been established to facilitate ongoing cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to transparency and efficiency in the electoral framework.
The push for stronger electoral integrity also comes in the wake of past challenges. Officials have acknowledged the need for reforms following technical issues observed in previous elections and are pursuing measures to bolster voting processes, data handling, and result dissemination. In one related development, post-election procedures have included rigorous efforts to improve data integrity and the management of election results, including plans to move toward a more transparent results dissemination model through a new media center.
Beyond the general elections, Fiji’s electoral reforms extend to related activities such as polling venue assessments and ongoing civic engagement efforts designed to bolster participation. Local government elections are also on the horizon, reflecting a broad strategy to strengthen civic representation and public confidence in Fiji’s democratic processes.
As Fiji continues these preparations, Mataiciwa and other officials remain committed to upholding the integrity and credibility of the electoral system. The concerted focus on risk assessment, interagency collaboration, and transparent practices offers a hopeful outlook for a credible and inclusive electoral period in 2026, with public trust at the forefront of democratic advancement. It is a clear message that Fiji intends to safeguard every vote and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard and respected.
Editor’s note: This ongoing series of security and integrity measures signals a wider national effort to reinforce democratic norms, learn from past challenges, and engage communities in meaningful ways to strengthen trust in Fiji’s electoral processes.
Leave a comment