Nasinu Town Council has launched an appeal to young people to take an active role in shaping the township’s future, urging them to stand for office ahead of municipal elections slated for September. The call follows confirmation from Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa that local government elections will be held later this year, creating an imminent window for prospective candidates to prepare.
The appeal was made by Felix Magnus, acting chief executive officer and board chairman of the Nasinu Town Council, who stressed the value of youth participation in an era defined by rapid technological change. “We encourage the youths to stand in the election,” Magnus said, noting that younger generations are often best placed to harness emerging tools. “They come with great ideas, the era of technology is there, the era of AI is here, and who best uses these tools are the youths. We want to see the ideas that they bring up, see the innovation that they come in with, and the initiative that they can bring on board.”
Magnus argued that empowering young candidates would inject fresh perspectives into municipal decision-making and help ensure that local policies reflect the aspirations of a new generation. He suggested that increased youth representation could strengthen governance at the municipal level and accelerate the adoption of modern solutions for Nasinu’s development, a point that resonates with national efforts to deepen digital capacity across government services.
The council’s push comes as Fiji pursues a broader digital transformation. The government’s National Digital Strategy 2025–2030, launched last year, aims to expand digital services, create thousands of ICT jobs and boost digital inclusion — goals that policy-makers have said will require a digitally literate workforce and innovative local leadership. Magnus framed the council’s appeal within that context, urging respect for youth views and their inclusion in municipal planning to better leverage new technologies for local needs.
The timing of the call is notable: with Ana Mataiciwa’s confirmation of elections, potential candidates now have a clearer timeline for campaign preparations. Nasinu’s appeal is part of a wider pattern of voices calling for more inclusive representation in local governance, including recent public discussions about increasing women’s participation in provincial and municipal bodies. Council officials say broader demographic representation, including more youth, can lead to more responsive and forward-looking local governments.
With nominations expected to open as the election timetable is finalised, the Nasinu Town Council is pressing residents and community groups to support and mentor young aspirants. Magnus emphasised that the community must “respect the views of the youth and bring them on board,” framing the move not just as a political opportunity for young people but as a strategic necessity for municipal innovation.
As the September municipal elections approach, Nasinu’s call spotlights the intersection of local politics and technological change — and raises questions about how local councils will recruit, support and integrate younger leaders to meet both immediate community needs and longer-term digital transformation goals.
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