National Youth Council of Fiji president Laisani Sepo has issued a fresh appeal to young Fijians to “take ownership” of the nation’s future by turning out in large numbers for the upcoming national election, warning that low participation among first-time voters risks leaving youth interests underrepresented.
Sepo said the youth share significant power to shape leadership and policy, and urged peers to treat the ballot as more than a choice of personalities. “As young people, this is for the betterment of our country,” she said, adding that voting is “not just about choosing leaders, but about deciding the future direction of our country.” The National Youth Council leader stressed that the coming poll offers a vital opportunity for young people to influence change and ensure their voices are heard at the national level.
Her comments follow Fijian Elections Office data showing that only 58.46 percent of eligible voters aged 18 to 20 cast ballots in the 2022 election, a marked gap in participation among those entering the electorate for the first time. Sepo said that figure highlights an urgent need for stepped-up civic awareness initiatives aimed at young voters, particularly in the communities and schools where many first-time electors live.
Sepo’s appeal is the latest development in a broader push to lift civic engagement ahead of elections. In recent months the Fijian Elections Office and the Ministry of Local Government have backed programmes designed to boost turnout and rebuild public trust, including a Civic Awareness Campaign and a Community Election Advocates initiative that trains volunteers to promote electoral knowledge at the grassroots. Organisers say such efforts are intended to help bridge information gaps that can discourage young people from registering or voting.
Youth leaders and election officials point to several barriers behind low participation, from limited awareness of how voting works to a sense among some young people that their single vote will not matter. Sepo sought to counter that perception directly, urging young Fijians to view participation as collective power: “If young people unite and participate actively, they can become a powerful force in shaping a better Fiji,” she said.
The timing of the call matters as parties and community groups begin intensifying outreach. Higher youth turnout could shift the dynamics of tightly contested seats, and civic educators argue that sustained engagement — not just short-term get-out-the-vote drives — will be needed to convert awareness into action. Sepo’s intervention adds voice to growing pressure on institutions and community organisations to tailor information and support for 18- to 20-year-olds as they navigate voter registration, candidate platforms and the voting process itself.
With the election approaching, Sepo and the National Youth Council are expected to continue advocacy and partner with existing FEO outreach efforts to reach first-time voters. Their message is clear: boosting youth turnout is not only a matter of numbers at the ballot box but a step toward ensuring that the next generation shapes the policy decisions that will affect their lives.
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