The Supervisor of Elections;
Members of the Electoral Commission Republic of Fiji;
Representatives and Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Permanent Secretaries and Representatives of Government Ministries and Agencies;
Municipal Council Representatives;
Representatives of Political Parties;
Representatives of Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations;
Development Partner Representatives;
Members of the Media; and
Our Fellow Fijians joining us live.
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, and a very good morning to you all.
I am honoured to join you all this morning for the launch of the YES Outreach.
I commend the Fijian Elections Office for this initiative, which reflects a deliberate and forward-looking effort to strengthen engagement with the people of Fiji as we prepare for the upcoming electoral processes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, elections are a defining feature of any democratic society. They provide the lawful and structured means through which the will of the people is expressed, and through which governments derive their legitimacy. However, while the legal and institutional frameworks of elections are essential, they alone are not sufficient.
The true strength of any electoral system lies in the participation of its people. A well-administered election must also be a well-understood election. It must be accessible to all. And it must inspire confidence among those it is designed to serve. In this context, the message of “Your Election” is both appropriate and necessary.
It reflects a shift from viewing elections as a process managed solely by institutions, to recognising them as a process owned by the people. The YES Outreach, through its central message, “Your Election, your Say”, gives practical meaning to this principle. It reminds every Fijian that their voice matters. That participation is not optional in a democracy, it is fundamental to it. And that each individual has a role to play in shaping the direction of our nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, public confidence in elections is built on three key elements:
- Clarity – that voters understand the process;
- Accessibility – that voters are able to participate; and
- Trust – that the process is fair and credible,
initiatives such as the YES Outreach contribute directly to all three.
As we approach both the Local Government Elections and the General Election, the importance of clear and accurate communication cannot be overstated. There will be differences in timelines, eligibility, and processes. It is therefore essential that these are communicated in a manner that is simple, consistent, and accessible to all.
I also wish to acknowledge the inclusion of Overseas Voter Registration within this initiative. This reflects an important commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that eligible Fijians living abroad remain connected to the democratic processes of their motherland.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is important to recognise that the success of an election is not measured solely by its administration. It is also measured by the level of participation it achieves. By the confidence voters have in the system. And by the extent to which citizens feel that their voices are heard.
As Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, I reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity, transparency, and independence of Fiji’s electoral processes. We will continue to provide the necessary oversight and policy direction to ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that is credible, inclusive, and trusted by all.
In closing, Let me emphasise this:
A strong democracy is not sustained by systems alone, it is sustained by the participation of its people.
The YES Outreach is a timely reminder of this principle to the people of Fiji, ‘This is Your Election’, your participation makes a difference.
With these words I officially launch the YES Outreach.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.