The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) is ramping up its efforts in preparation for the Local Government elections, which are expected to take place in September of this year. Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections, announced that the month of February was dedicated to finalizing internal planning, while March will see the commencement of stakeholder briefings and a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at informing citizens about the upcoming elections.
“We will be having our briefings with stakeholders in March to discuss preparations for the Local Government elections anticipated for September,” Ms. Mataiciwa stated. She emphasized that awareness initiatives would also begin in March, providing critical information to the public.
While the municipal elections are set for September, the specific date has not yet been confirmed. According to the Local Government regulations, elections are mandated to occur on a Saturday, leading to possibilities throughout the four Saturdays in September.
Mataiciwa highlighted that a committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and including representatives from the Fijian Elections Office and other stakeholders, is convening regularly to ensure thorough preparation following the release of the Local Government elections regulations in December.
She encouraged residents in the 13 municipalities to stay informed and engage with the upcoming awareness campaign as the region gears up for the September elections. This proactive approach from the FEO not only signals a commitment to a well-organized electoral process but also fosters civic participation within the communities of Fiji. As the elections draw closer, it is hoped that these efforts will empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their local governance.
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