His Excellency Shri Suneet Mehta, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Fiji;
Members of the Electoral Commission, Commissioner Nemani Mati and Commissioner Reginald Jokhan;
The Supervisor of Elections Ms Ana Mataiciwa;
The Permanent Secretary for Justice, Ms Selina Kuruleca;
The Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections Ms Anaseini Senimoli;
Staff of the High Commissioner of the Republic of India;
Staff of the Fijian Elections Office; and
Members of the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen
Miau Sa Bula Re, and a very good morning to you all.
It is my pleasure to join you this morning as we gather for the official handover of these four vehicles before you, two Nissan Navaras and two Kia Sorentos, generously donated by the Government of the Republic of India to the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office.
At first glance, today’s ceremony may appear to be simply the presentation of four vehicles. However, it represents something far more significant. It reflects the enduring friendship between the Republic of Fiji and the Republic of India, and a testament to our shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.
On behalf of the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of India and to His Excellency Shri Suneet Mehta for this generous contribution. We are deeply grateful for your continued friendship, your confidence in our institutions, and your unwavering support for Fiji’s democratic development.
The partnership between India and Fiji has been built over many decades through mutual respect, cooperation and shared values. Today’s donation further strengthens that relationship and demonstrates the value of international partnerships in enhancing electoral administration and institutional resilience.
As the Electoral Commission continues its oversight of preparations for Fiji’s forthcoming General Election, ensuring that electoral services remain accessible to every eligible voter is one of our highest priorities.
The work of the Fijian Elections Office extends well beyond the walls of its headquarters. Every day, its officers travel throughout our country to cities and towns, villages and settlements, and across our maritime islands to provide voter registration services, voter information and awareness programmes, stakeholder engagement, election logistics and other essential electoral services.
Reliable transport is therefore not simply an operational necessity; it is fundamental to ensuring that electoral services reach every Fijian, regardless of where they live.
These four vehicles will significantly strengthen the operational capability of the Fijian Elections Office. They will improve mobility, support voter registration and awareness activities, enhance logistical preparedness, facilitate the delivery of electoral materials and equipment, and enable staff to better serve communities throughout Fiji.
While today’s donation consists of four vehicles, its significance extends well beyond transportation. It is an investment in the institutional capacity of both the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office. It strengthens our collective ability to deliver electoral services that are professional, impartial, accessible and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.
As Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, I remain confident that these resources will be managed responsibly and utilised efficiently to support the conduct of credible, transparent and inclusive elections. Every contribution that strengthens our institutions ultimately strengthens public confidence in Fiji’s democratic processes.
Your Excellency, thank you once again for your generosity and for the enduring partnership between the Republic of India and the Republic of Fiji. We deeply value this friendship and look forward to continuing our close collaboration in the years ahead.
To everyone gathered here this morning, thank you for joining us as we mark this important milestone. May this donation serve as another lasting symbol of the strong relationship between our two nations and our shared commitment to democracy, good governance and the people of Fiji.
Thank you once again to everyone present for joining us today. Vinaka Vakalevu.