The Electoral Commission [‘EC’] and the Fijian Elections Office [‘FEO’] successfully submitted the much-anticipated 2022 General Election Joint Report [‘Joint Report’] to the Office of the President and the Honourable Speaker’s Chambers on Monday, November 20, 2023.
This marks the completion of a crucial duty following the EC’s earlier challenge in meeting the submission deadline outlined in Section 14(g) of the Electoral Act 2014 due to the lack of quorum earlier in the year.
In expressing her contentment, EC Chairperson Ms. Barbara Malimali commended the diligence of the newly constituted EC in swiftly addressing the requirements, to compile and submit the Joint Report.
“The Commission is pleased to have complied with its legal obligations in respect of this report and to have collaborated with the FEO to provide His Excellency the President and the Honourable Speaker with a detailed overview of the 2022 electoral process and outcome,” said Ms. Malimali.
The Chairperson added that the Commission had responded to each of the recommendations of the Multinational Observer Group, and proposed several additional recommendations, some of which anticipated the forthcoming legislative review of electoral laws.
“In particular, the Commission has called on the Government to consider the implementation of temporary special measures to enhance gender diversity and women’s representation in Parliament, and to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities to vote and stand for election as others. These recommendations are in line with Fiji’s obligations under international law,” stated Ms. Malimali.
The Acting Supervisor of Elections Ms. Ana Mataiciwa also acknowledged the accomplishment of submitting the long-awaited Joint Report.
“I am pleased to confirm that the report has been submitted to His Excellency the President and the Honourable Speaker in accordance with the law. Despite delays, the circumstances necessitated flexibility, and I extend my gratitude to the Electoral Commission for their commitment to submitting the report,” Ms. Mataiciwa stated.
The Joint Report comprehensively outlines the processes involved in the 2022 General Election. It details the legal responsibilities of both the EC and the FEO as well as their collective recommendations.
