Launching of the Fijian Elections Office 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and the Elections Disability Access Working Group or EDAWG’s 4- Year Workplan

Launching of the

Fijian Elections Office 2024-2027 Strategic Plan

and the

Elections Disability Access Working Group or EDAWG’s 4-

Year Workplan

EC Chairperson: Ms. Barbara Malimali
Friday 03 November 2023
Holiday Inn

Your Excellencies,
the Acting Supervisor of Elections,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to all of you.

I am deeply honoured to join you today as the Chief Guest at the launching of the Fijian Elections Office [“FEO”] 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and the Elections Disability Access Working Group or EDAWG’s 4- Year Workplan. Today marks a pivotal juncture in our nation’s electoral history, as it signifies our commitment to rebuilding trust, ensuring inclusivity, and engaging all Fijian citizens in our electoral processes.

First and foremost, I must commend the Fijian Elections Office for its proactive stance in addressing the challenges and concerns that have emerged in recent years through the launch and endeavor to implement this plan. Our democracy stands as the cornerstone of our society, and the Electoral Commission as well as the Fijian Elections Office play a central role in ensuring that the voice of every Fijian is not only heard but also respected. As the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, I stand before you today to pledge my unwavering support for the vision and mission outlined in this Strategic Plan.

Rebuilding trust and confidence is no small feat, yet it is a necessary one. The Electoral Commission shares this perspective and applauds the FEO for acknowledging the importance of regaining the trust of the Fijian people. This strategic plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap to achieve just that. By enhancing transparency, accountability, and accessibility, the FEO is taking critical steps to ensure that every Fijian has unwavering faith in the fairness and integrity of our electoral procedures.

On the topic of inclusivity, I am delighted to inform you that the EDAWG, will be presenting its 4-Year Work Plan to the Electoral Commission. This underscores the FEO’s proactive and inclusive approach to the conduct of elections in Fiji, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in the electoral process.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen, it is important to remember that the Electoral Commission and the FEO are two distinct and independent entities, each with its constitutional mandate for overseeing elections in Fiji. The Electoral Commission is responsible for formulating policies and procedures that guarantee the conduct of free and fair elections, while the FEO oversees the overall execution of elections in Fiji. This Strategic Plan reassures us, the Electoral Commission, of the FEO’s commitment to chart a new course, fostering greater inclusiveness in Fiji’s electoral processes.

Furthermore, let me emphasize that the Electoral Commission has the mandate to scrutinize and oversee the operations of the FEO. We are committed to holding the FEO accountable for meeting the objectives and goals set forth in their new strategic plan.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan of the Fijian Elections Office. This is a forward-thinking, comprehensive, and ambitious Plan that steers our democracy onto a new trajectory. Together, we can rebuild trust and confidence, eliminate administrative barriers, and create a more inclusive and engaging electoral process. The success of this plan will serve as a testament to the resilience and robustness of our democracy.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have tirelessly worked to shape this plan and to all those present today who share the vision of a stronger, more inclusive Fiji. Let us unite in this eendeavour to transform this vision to reality and ensure that our electoral processes become a source of pride for every Fijian. Thank you, and may our democratic journey be marked by unity, progress, and continued success.

Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.

 

Opening Remarks on behalf of the PIANZEA Network at the BRIDGE Workshop

by Electoral Commission

Opening Remarks on behalf of the PIANZEA Network at the BRIDGE Workshop


EC Chairperson: Ms. Barbara Malimali

Tuesday 19 September 2023

 

Mr. Alpha Bah UN Resident Coordinator Officer in Charge;
Mr. Henry Cocker Acting Director for Governance and Engagement Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat;
Fellow Senior Representatives and Officials from the PIANZEA Network;
Representatives of Government Organisations, Pacific and UN Agencies and CSO’s;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ni sa Bula Vinaka, Pacific Greetings and a very good morning to each and every one of you.

I am delighted and honoured to speak to you all this morning as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Republic of Fiji and on behalf of the PIANZEA Network, to express our heartfelt appreciation for your presence here in Suva over the next few days. Whether you’ve travelled a short distance or crossed the vast Pacific Ocean to be here, your commitment is deeply cherished. I kindly ask that we acknowledge one another’s dedication with a hearty round of applause (pause for applause).

As we assemble here today, we find ourselves in a remarkable position—an opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, and expertise, all with the aim of fortifying the electoral processes that form the bedrock of our respective democracies. This workshop is a testament to the collaborative spirit and partnerships that define the Pacific region. I am confident that the insights and discussions that will unfold in the days ahead will be invaluable in our collective endeavour to enhance electoral integrity and inclusivity.

Our region, marked by its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and geographic complexities, presents us with unique electoral dynamics. However, it is precisely within our diversity that we discover our greatest strengths and resilience. The commitment demonstrated by each electoral management body and our respected stakeholders present here, in ensuring elections that are free, fair, and transparent, mirrors our shared dedication to democratic ideals. It is a commitment that transcends borders and unites us in a common purpose.

In conclusion, I extend my sincere gratitude to all participants, our facilitators, and the inter-agency organizers and secretariat for making this workshop a reality. Let us seize this opportunity to reinforce our bonds of cooperation and chart a course that leads to even more robust and resilient electoral systems.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your unwavering dedication to democracy is deeply appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate the productive discussions and collaborations that await us. Together, we possess the potential to leave a lasting imprint on the democratic landscape of the Pacific region.

Thank you and Vinaka vaka levu.

Closing Remarks on EC Induction

Statement by the Chairperson Ms Barbara Malimali of the Electoral Commission
Closing of the EC Induction Workshop
Suva
16 August 2023

I rise to thank all Commissioners present here today for availing yourselves of our 3-day workshop. I understand that you all have busy schedules, however, each one of us has been appointed to this high office as a result of our various expertise and experiences, with the confidence that we each will carry out our duties with impartiality and integrity. With that being said, I thank you Commissioners once again for your contributions and questions over the course of our Introductory Workshop.

I also wish to acknowledge our donor partners who have contributed towards this Introductory workshop. Our thanks to MFAT for their continued partnership with the Electoral Commission. And to our sister body, the NZEC who are represented here through our facilitators Deidre Brookes and Karen Beggs, we’d like to acknowledge you for your hard work which can be seen in how you carried this workshop efficiently and effectively, so thank you.

Over the 3 days, we have been able to familiarise ourselves with the various processes of the Electoral Commission and we’ve come to the realisation that there is a huge task ahead of us in terms of legislative reform and review.

Fellow Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen let me finish by saying that you have all worked hard, but in fact, the real work only starts now. This is the beginning of our concerted efforts to work together with our partners to support the capacity needs of this Commission, which will ultimately serve the needs of our people.

Thank You.
Vinaka Vakalevu
Dhanyavad.

 

Opening Remarks on EC Induction

Statement by the Chairperson Ms Barbara Malimali of the Electoral Commission

 Opening of the EC Induction Workshop

Suva
14 August 2023

Fellow Commissioners,

Bula Vinaka!

I take great pleasure in according to each of you a warm welcome. As you all are aware, through the recent appointment of Dr Atu Emberson-Bain, we now have a full complement of Commissioners.

I wish to highlight that as members of the Electoral Commission, our duties are enshrined under the Constitution; therefore, it is crucial that we align ourselves to our roles stipulated under section 75 of the Constitution. I am confident that over the course of this Workshop, we will be able to familiarize ourselves with our roles and conduct ourselves in a manner that is expected of this office.

As appointees of the President, it is imperative that you fully know your duties so that they can be executed accordingly. Therefore, we must strive to work collectively as members of the EC to best serve the interests of all Fijians.

I also wish to extend our welcome and appreciation to Ms Deirdre Brooks and Ms. Karen Beggs who is here to facilitate our Induction Workshop. Ms Brooks and Ms Beggs are also representatives from the New Zealand Electoral Commission (NZEC).

We are truly thankful to the NZEC and MFAT for facilitating this Induction Workshop and we look forward to more collaborations in the near future.

With that being said ladies and gentlemen; my fellow Commissioners without taking any more of your time, I officially open our 3-day Workshop.

Vinaka Vakalevu

Declaration of Results

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission

Mr Mukesh Nand

Declaration of Results

19/12/22 at 1.00pm 

 

Fellow members of the Electoral Commission, 

The Supervisor of Elections,

Invited Guests,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Bula Vinaka and a very warm welcome to you all.

We have received the results from the Supervisor of Elections. We congratulate him and his team for another successful election. 

In accordance with the law, the Electoral Commission[‘EC’] then proceeded to determine the seats that are to be allocated.

Sections 103 to 109 of the Electoral Act, 2014 are the relevant provisions for this process. The total number of votes cast in the 2022 General Election were 473,910 and as such, the threshold is calculated to be 23,696.

Based on the results of the 2022 General Election, the following Political Parties and Independent Candidates met the threshold:

Party Votes
FijiFirst 200,246
The People’s Alliance 168,581
National Federation Party 41,830
SODELPA 24,172

In applying the D’hondt formula to determine the number of seats each Party attained, the Electoral Commission arrived at the following result: 

Party Total Seats 
FijiFirst 26
The People’s Alliance 21
National Federation Party 5
SODELPA 3

According to the Electoral Act, 2014 the candidates within the Parties that have won the highest votes will be entitled to allocation of seats before those with lower votes. I will now announce the names of the candidates that have been allocated seats for the next Parliament: (*read from table)

Name of Political Party Seat Number Candidate Name
FijiFirst 1 Bainimarama, Josaia Voreqe
The People’s Alliance 2 Rabuka, Sitiveni Ligamamada
FijiFiji  3 Sayed-Khaiyum, Aiyaz
The People’s Alliance 4 Tabuya, Lynda Diseru
FijiFirst 5 Bala, Parveen Kumar
The People’s Alliance 6 Singh, Charan Jeath
FijiFirst 7 Reddy, Mahendra
The People’s Alliance 8 Vosarogo, Filimoni Wainiqolo Rasokisoki
National Federation Party 9 Prasad, Biman Chand
FijiFirst 10 Chand, Hem
The People’s Alliance 11 Kamikamica, Manoa Seru Nakausabaria
FijiFirst 12 Niudamu, Ratu Josaia Bulavakarua
FijiFirst 13 Sharma, Rinesh Rajesh
The People’s Alliance 14 Tuiwailevu, Isikeli
FijiFirst 15 Maharaj, Alvick Avhikrit
Social Democratic Liberal Party 16 Gavoka, Viliame Rogoibulu
The People’s Alliance 17 Vanawalu, Iliesa Sovui
FijiFirst 18 Akbar, Rosy Sofia
The People’s Alliance 19 Turaga, Siromi Dokonivalu
National Federation Party 20 Qereqeretabua, Lenora Salusalu
FijiFirst 21 Nath, Vijay
The People’s Alliance 22 Lalabalavu, Ratu Atonio Rabici
FijiFirst 23 Naivalurua, Ioane
The People’s Alliance 24 Saukuru, Jese
FijiFirst 25 Seruiratu, Inia Batikoto
FijiFirst 26 Kumar, Shalen
The People’s Alliance 27 Vakalalabure, RT Rakuita Solesole Sauramaeva
FijiFirst 28 Koya, Faiyaz Siddiq
The People’s Alliance 29 Nalumisa, Maciu Katamotu
National Federation Party 30 Singh, Agni Deo
FijiFirst 31 Kumar, Premila Devi
The People’s Alliance 32 Vocea, Jovesa Rokuta
FijiFirst 33 Usamate, Jone
Social Democratic Liberal Party 34 Vasu, Ifereimi
The People’s Alliance 35 Tubuna, Sakiusa
FijiFirst 36 Pillay, Viam
The People’s Alliance 37 Rayalu, Vatimi Tidara Tuinasakea Kaunitawake
FijiFirst 38 Kirpal, Sanjay Salend
FijiFirst 39 Nand, Joseph Nitya
The People’s Alliance 40 Tuisawau, Ro Filipe Qaraniqio
National Federation Party 41 Tikoduadua, Pio
FijiFirst 42 Koroilavesau, Semi Tuleca
The People’s Alliance 43 Tunabuna, Tomasi Niuvotu
FijiFirst 44 Waqainabete, Ifereimi
The People’s Alliance 45 Ditoka, Sakiasi Raisevu
FijiFirst 46 Naupoto, Viliame
The People’s Alliance 47 Immanuel, Esrom Yosef
FijiFirst 48 Bia, Aliki
The People’s Alliance 49 Ravu, Kalaveti Vodo
National Federation Party 50 Kiran, Sashi
FijiFirst 51 Tuinaceva, Naisa Tatau
Social Democratic Liberal Party 52 Radrodro, Aseri Masivou
The People’s Alliance Party 53 Bainivalu, Alitia Vakatai Bavou Cirikiyasawa
FijiFirst 54 Bulitavu, Mosese Drecala
FijiFirst 55 Lal, Ketan Kirit

Ladies and gentlemen, the Commission’s next duty is to Return the Writ of Elections to His Excellency the President as stipulated under Section 106 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2014.

On behalf of the Electoral Commission, the Fijian Elections Office and the entire country, I offer congratulations to the candidates that have been elected into Parliament and wish them the best of luck.

Thank you very much and Vinaka Vakalevu.  

After Receiving Results from the Supervisor of Elections

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission

Mr Mukesh Nand

After Receiving Results from the Supervisor of Elections

18/12/22 @4PM

 

Fellow Electoral Commission members,

The Supervisor of Elections,

Members of the Media,

Invited guests,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Bula vinaka and a very warm welcome to you all today.

The 2022 General Election took place on the 14th of December in a peaceful and conducive environment. 

My fellow Commission members and I observed voting at several polling places and were pleased with the smooth flow of operations on Election Day. Since then we have been present at the National Results Centre observing the results tabulation process.

Ladies and gentleman, I stand here today on behalf of my Commission receiving the Final National Results Tally for the 2022 General Election.

I would like to thank you, Supervisor of Elections and your team at the Fijian Elections Office for a job well done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after receiving the results of the 2022 General Election, the Electoral Commission will now retire and calculate the seat allocation for the 55 seats of the next parliament.

We intend to announce the Final list of candidates that will enter parliament at 1pm tomorrow followed by our appointment with H.E the President at 2pm when we intend to return the writ for the 2022 General Election.

Thank you and vinaka vakalevu.

Election Day Announcement

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission

Mr Mukesh Nand

Election Day Announcement

Media Centre- FMF Gymnasium

14 DEC 22 @4PM

Bula Vinaka Ladies and gentlemen.

It is now 4pm on Election Day with only two (2) more hours left to go until the close of Polling for the 2022 General Election.

The Electoral Commission has been out visiting various venues from the morning and it is indeed a proud moment to have my fellow Fijians come out and exercise their Right to Vote. 

The indelible ink on your finger is a show of patriotism, it represents your civic duty towards your country.

Ladies and gentlemen, every four years we come together as a nation to make history. Others before you have paved the way for a democratic Fiji and now it is your turn to show up for your nation and lead the way for those who will come after you.

Ladies and gentleman, as the Commission overseeing the conduct of general elections in Fiji, we have worked with the Fijian Elections Office to ensure that the 2022 General Election becomes a platform for all Fijians to vote with confidence, security and freedom.

We keep to our promise and as at 4pm today, our Polling Stations continue to facilitate voting, our staff are ready to serve you, all election materials are there. This opportunity comes once every 4 years ladies and gentleman, so if you are still at home or elsewhere and you have not voted, you have 2 more hours to make your way to your Polling Station.

If you are not sure about where to vote, text your VoterCard number to 1500. 

If you do not have a VoterCard, bring any valid Photo ID.

If you have friends and family who have not voted, bring them along too. Encourage others to vote.

I have been informed that voter turnout has not been up to par but ladies and gentleman, there is still time for you to be able to vote.

Remember Polling Stations will close at 6pm or after the last voter in the queue at 6pm has voted.

I on behalf of the Electoral Commission members and the hardworking team of the Fijian Elections Office who are out on the field, urge each and every one of you who is yet to vote to come and cast you ballot.

Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu

2022 Election Night Dinner – EVP

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission 

Mr Mukesh Nand 

2022 Election Night Dinner – EVP

Suva – 14.12.22

 

Your Excellency the High Commissioner of Great Britain to Fiji Dr. Brian Jones 

Senior Officials of the Fijian Elections Office

EVP Participants and supporters

Bula Vinaka and a very Good Evening to you all. 

We have just concluded the polling process for our third General Election under the guidance of the Electoral Act of 2014. 

The Fijian Elections Office is currently busy compiling the results for the General Election as well as carrying out the counting for the Pre-Poll activities.

We are confident that all these activities will be concluded with the same level of efficiency and efficacy that the Fijian Elections Office has shown so far. 

I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Supervisor of Elections, Mr Mohammed Saneem, as well as the Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Robin Boyd, for their hard work and effort in ensuring that the Fijian Elections for 2022 is fair and credible.

I would also like to thank our partners UNDP and the High Commission of the United Kingdom for making this exciting program possible. 

I would also like to welcome you all to stay longer if you can to see the outcomes and I thank you all for accepting our invitation. Special thanks to our regional and international partners in the Election Management Bodies for taking up our invitation.

As I said when I initially addressed you, our intention was not to show off any of our processes but to really put it up on display for your constructive criticism or for your positive views on it.

The only intention here is that the evolution of election practices in Fiji must NOT stop at every election but rather become much more revolutionized following the election.  

And get a new boost of energy so that the Fijian Elections historically becomes one of the most transparent and fair processes. 

We hope that when Fijians choose their leaders, the election process gives them that boost, that confidence, that ownership that the process, in which they used to select the leaders, was transparent because it was accessible and it was fair.

That is all we hope.

Anyway, I’m taking too much of your time and I wish you all a good evening, do continue to follow the results on the Results App from the convenience of your respective hand held devices and all the best and safe journey on your return from Suva.

Thank you and vinaka vakalevu.  

Election Day Reminder

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission 

Mr Mukesh Nand

Election Day Reminder

Suva – 13.12.22

Bula Vinaka Fijians!

The 2022 General Election will be taking place tomorrow at all Polling Stations and it will start at 7.30am and will continue right up until the last voter has voted at 6.00pm.

The Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office have ensured that all polling operations happen according to plan and I would like to advise you that we are ready to receive your votes.

I am informed by the Supervisor of Elections that teams have been successfully reaching polling venues and the deployment of election materials has been happening throughout the last two days. 

I am further informed that by tomorrow morning all polling operations should be normal and ready to receive votes from all Fijians.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the findings of the Multinational Observer Group in its preliminary statement and I would like to assure every Fijian that we will continue to provide electoral services with the highest level of integrity, commitment and diligence.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to vote!

Tomorrow at 7.30am right up until the last voter has voted at 6.00pm every Fijian will have the opportunity to demonstrate their civic duty and the authority they have under the Constitution of Fiji to choose their representatives for the next four years.

On this note, on behalf of the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections and the Fijian Elections Office, I would like to invite every Fijian to come forward and vote.

It is this time that you need to exercise your authority under the Constitution and I urge every Fijian to exercise your democratic right.

With this words, the Electoral Commission wishes you the very best in your endeavors and we look forward to as many people turning out as possible tomorrow to cast their vote.

No one should be left behind!

Vinaka. 

2022 EVP Welcome Dinner

by Electoral Commission

Statement by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission 

Mr Mukesh Nand

2022 EVP Welcome Dinner

Suva – 12.12.22

 

Supervisor of Elections

Staff of FEO 

Bula Vinaka and a very warm welcome to you all. 

It is my pleasure and honour to welcome you all here today on behalf of the people of Fiji, the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office. A special welcome to all the dignitaries from the Pacific region who are participating in this program.

Ladies and gentlemen, at the outset I would like to say that our Election Visitor Program is an effort of the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office to share our elections experience with our friends and families from the pacific as well as the citizens of Fiji. 

We want to be able to demonstrate to you the activities that we do under our elections and thereafter seek your views on the comparative learnings we can do from this. 

In no way, our intention to put our elections forward as a model or a standard. However, we simply want to share our experience with our friends so that we can all work together to continue to nurture the democratic elections that we all have in our countries.

I would like to welcome all of you who have come from afar, and especially welcome the citizens of Fiji who are also participants in this program through the expression of interest exercise. We thank you for your interest in your election and we look forward to you having a productive time whilst in this program. For some of you, this maybe the very first time you actually see how the operations in an election happen and I wish you all the best in your learnings.

I would like to acknowledge the organizers of the event, Eric and his team with the humble support of the New Zealand Electoral Commission and the Australian Electoral Commission in putting together this program and I would like to thank the British Government and the United Nation Development Program for financially supporting this program and the activities. 

On this note, I would like to acknowledge the initiative taken by the Fijian Elections Office to conduct the Election Visitor Program and I wish you all the very best.

Thank you very much for coming to Fiji and I wish you a safe stay and an enjoyable one

Vinaka.