Confusion surrounding polling stations and a notable decrease in voter turnout during Fiji’s elections have prompted renewed discussions about potentially extending the national election period to multiple days. Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, raised these concerns while reviewing the Joint Report of the 2022 General Election. He highlighted that numerous voters were turned away due to attending incorrect polling locations, a situation often caused by errors in voter registration.
Vakalalabure advocates for a longer voting period, suggesting that it would enable more citizens to participate in the democratic process. He emphasized the significance of civic duty, stating, “Most of the time in previous elections, people went to the wrong stations because of what was written on their ID, which is not their fault. It was the registration of the Fiji election officials’ fault.”
Ana Mataiciwa, the Supervisor of Elections, acknowledged the confusion regarding polling locations but defended the efficacy of the current one-day voting system. She pointed out that inadequate communication and collaboration with stakeholders contributed significantly to voter confusion and turnout issues during the 2022 elections. Mataiciwa noted that in certain cases, planned pre-polling events failed to attract participants, often due to voters being unaware of the voting schedules.
To tackle these challenges, there are plans to enhance voter education and community engagement, particularly focusing on young voters through schools and universities. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve access to voting in Fiji. For instance, the Fiji Law Reform Commission has suggested extending pre-polling periods to better accommodate seniors and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is growing support among citizens for allowing voters to cast ballots at any location across the country rather than being restricted to specific registered polling stations, aiding in making the electoral process more inclusive.
The discussions aimed at streamlining voting processes embody a collective desire to foster greater electoral participation and reinforce democratic practices in Fiji. The proactive steps taken to address voter concerns reflect a positive outlook for upcoming elections, encouraging a more engaged and informed electorate eager to exercise their civic rights.