Fiji formalizes interagency step toward secure elections with ESAG ToR signing
In a significant move to safeguard free and fair elections, Fiji’s top security and electoral agencies signed the Terms of Reference for the Election Security Advisory Group, ESAG, formalizing a shared commitment to protect the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
The signing ceremony in Suva brought together senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Fijian Elections Office, which will serve as ESAG’s Secretariat. Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa described the gesture as more than ceremonial, saying it publicly pledges that Fiji’s elections will be conducted in a secure and trustworthy environment. “Through ESAG, we strengthen our cooperation and readiness to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” she added.
Representing their agencies at the ceremony, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai of the RFMF, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, and FICAC’s Manager Investigations Mosese Matanisiga signed on behalf of their acting leaders, underscoring the coalition’s intent to enhance operational preparedness. In a joint statement, ESAG was described as a coordinated platform for information sharing, joint planning, and timely response to electoral security issues. The group will focus on preventing disruptions and ensuring that the voices of Fijians are protected through a safe electoral environment; the FEO will lead coordination efforts, supply technical support, and organize regular meetings to anticipate and address threats.
The development aligns with broader efforts to bolster Fiji’s democratic process ahead of the 2026 general elections. Officials have highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration in strengthening security arrangements and safeguarding public trust, while ongoing reforms focus on improving data handling and the dissemination of results. There is also a broader push toward greater transparency in communications, including potential improvements in media engagement and information flow related to elections.
What this means moving forward
– A formal, ongoing framework for security planning across defence, law enforcement, anti-corruption, and electoral management agencies.
– Regular interagency meetings and a dedicated liaison approach to anticipate and respond to threats before, during, and after elections.
– A strengthened emphasis on data integrity, transparent results dissemination, and coordinated information sharing with media and stakeholders.
Summary
Fiji is advancing an interagency approach to electoral security and integrity as it gears up for the 2026 elections. By consolidating the roles of security forces, anti-corruption bodies, and the electoral office under ESAG, officials express optimism that a more credible, inclusive electoral process will emerge, underpinned by trust, collaboration, and proactive risk management.
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