The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has officially introduced the Community Election Advocates (CEA) Programme in a bid to enhance civic engagement and rebuild public trust as the country approaches future elections. The launch took place at the Jovili Meo Mission Centre at the Pacific Communities University in Suva, marking a significant step in mobilizing local support for electoral processes.
The initiative aims to train 450 volunteers from various communities who will act as essential intermediaries between electoral institutions and citizens. Through intensive two-day training sessions scheduled across the nation, these advocates will acquire essential knowledge and tools necessary for promoting electoral awareness and encouraging voter participation.
Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections, highlighted that the success of the program relies on combining institutional expertise with grassroots community connections. She stated, “Our Community Election Advocates speak not just the languages of iTaukei, Hindi, or English, but the unspoken language of trust and shared experience within their communities.” This approach aims to create a more inclusive electoral environment by fostering a sense of personal connection and trust among voters.
The training curriculum will cover various critical topics, including the importance of voting, the registration process, communication strategies, and maintaining political neutrality. The FEO has emphasized that these advocates must uphold impartiality to preserve the integrity of their outreach efforts.
This initiative represents a shift from traditional electoral education methods by partnering directly with volunteers linked to faith-based and civil society organizations. The program operates under the guiding principle of “Reach One, Empower All,” focusing on empowering grassroots movements that enhance democratic participation.
During the virtual launch, Justice Usaia Ratuvili, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, underscored the importance of community involvement in sustaining the integrity of the electoral system. He remarked, “While we ensure our systems maintain integrity, CEAs will ensure our citizens understand and trust those systems, creating conditions for genuine democratic participation.”
The initiative has garnered support from international partners, including the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the UNDP’s Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Fiji Project. This collaboration signifies a strong commitment to bolstering democratic governance within Fiji.
As the next election cycle approaches, the FEO is optimistic that the Community Election Advocates will not only serve as educators but also emerge as trusted advocates for transparency and civic engagement, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and trust critical for a resilient democracy. This proactive approach represents hope for Fiji as it seeks to empower its citizens and promote an engaged electorate as preparations intensify for the upcoming elections.
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