The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has launched a nationwide awareness drive aimed at boosting voter participation ahead of municipal elections expected in September 2024 — the first such polls since 2005. The launch, unveiled this morning, marks the first public roll-out of information materials as election preparations move into a visible phase.
The event was officiated by Seema Sharma, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and chairperson of the Local Government Elections Working Group. As part of the launch the FEO introduced a first wave of public awareness materials: a campaign video for digital and social media platforms, plus printed flyers and posters that will be distributed across municipalities. The campaign also features a local community elections mascot designed to help draw attention to the messaging in towns and villages.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa said the drive is critical given the long gap since the last municipal elections. “Voter awareness lies at the very centre of electoral administration. It is not just a box for the FEO to tick before polling day. Anyone who does not understand the process cannot participate with confidence,” she said, underscoring that well-informed citizens are essential to meaningful local democracy.
Authorities described the rollout as the “first wave” of outreach, signalling more community engagement activities to follow as the September timetable approaches. Materials will target both online audiences through the campaign video and traditional outreach through posters and flyers to reach areas with limited internet access. Officials called on community leaders and the public to help ensure accurate and timely information reaches all municipalities.
Local government elections decide municipal councillors and local leadership that handle services and planning at the city and town level, making voter turnout a central focus for organisers. The FEO’s drive is intended to familiarise residents with the voting process, encourage registration where needed, and reduce barriers to participation on polling day.
This launch is the latest visible step in preparations for municipal polls, signalling government agencies and the FEO are moving from planning to public engagement. With the September 2024 target date now in view, election officials say the coming weeks will see a broader push across municipalities to build awareness and confidence among voters.
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