The Fijian Elections Office has begun the process of destroying ballot papers from the 2022 General Elections, marking an important step toward preparation for the upcoming 2026 elections. Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections, noted that this action not only represents the end of the previous electoral cycle but also demonstrates a proactive approach as Fiji prepares for future democratic events.
Over a period of five weeks, the office will carefully dismantle around 2,066 ballot boxes, ensuring that the destruction is compliant with legal regulations and environmental protections. The initial phase involves verifying and logging the seals on each ballot box, followed by the careful extraction of sensitive materials, which will include both the ballot papers and voter lists. Recyclable materials will be processed responsibly, while non-recyclable items will be incinerated.
In a move to maintain transparency, representatives from registered political parties have been invited to witness the destruction process, aligning with the Elections Office’s commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. This initiative follows previous doubts regarding the accuracy of vote counts during the 2022 election, which created significant public skepticism. With a strong emphasis on transparency, Mataiciwa stated that these efforts are aimed at rebuilding public confidence in Fiji’s electoral system.
Moreover, the Elections Office is actively engaged in updating voter lists and evaluating polling venues to ensure their suitability and accessibility for the upcoming elections. This forward-thinking approach addresses past issues, including a notable technical malfunction during the last elections and fosters hope for improved electoral practices in Fiji.
The ongoing initiatives by the Elections Office reflect a commitment to enhancing the electoral process and engaging community stakeholders. These efforts present a positive outlook for the future of Fiji’s democracy, encouraging increased public trust and participation in forthcoming elections.
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