Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga has urged Fijians at home and abroad to engage actively in the upcoming General Election, underscoring the significance of their voting rights as citizens. Turaga highlighted that with the platform set, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reassured the public that elections will take place next year.
In his appeal, Turaga encouraged individuals to refrain from disseminating misinformation on social media, stressing the importance of exercising their fundamental right to vote. He stated, “Wherever I go as a Minister and as Acting Attorney General, I always encourage people to stop posting on social media and to register and participate in the upcoming election.”
A significant focus for Turaga is mobilizing first-time voters, especially among the youth, as well as reaching Fijians in rural and maritime areas where educational resources about the voting process are often limited. He emphasized the need to educate these communities about the importance of their votes and the voting process.
Additionally, Leena Rikkila Tamang, Director for Asia & the Pacific at International IDEA, has expressed the organization’s readiness to support Fiji’s voter-education initiatives. She noted that the Fijian Elections Office is already making strides in educating voters and the youth. “We would be happy to support that,” she stated, mentioning the collaborative efforts involving the Online Safety Commission, the Ministry of Justice, and Parliament.
As Fiji approaches the 2026 election, the emphasis on combating misinformation and fostering a clear understanding of the voting process is crucial. Encouraging informed participation shapes the country’s future, making this a pivotal moment in Fiji’s democratic journey.
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