The Fijian Elections Office has unveiled the Community Election Advocates Programme, a strategic initiative designed to boost civic engagement ahead of the approaching elections. This program will see the deployment of 450 trained volunteers across Fiji, serving as essential links between electoral institutions and local communities.
During a virtual launch event from Suva, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative to enhance democratic participation. She stated, “This programme recognizes that effective democratic engagement requires both institutional expertise and community connection. Our Community Election Advocates speak not just the languages of iTaukei, Hindi, or English, but the unspoken language of trust and shared experience within their communities.”
Justice Usaia Ratuvili, Chair of the Electoral Commission, also highlighted the importance of the programme in building public trust in the electoral process. The programme follows the guiding principle “Reach One, Empower All,” marking a shift from traditional electoral education by incorporating local volunteers, particularly those associated with faith-based and civil society organizations.
The first phase of the initiative will involve comprehensive training sessions for the advocates, which will span two days and cover vital topics such as the importance of voting, the voter registration process, and effective communication strategies while upholding political neutrality.
The Community Election Advocates Programme has received backing from international partners, including New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Nations Development Programme’s Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections Fiji Project. This collaboration signifies a collective effort to reinforce Fiji’s democratic processes during this crucial time.
This initiative dovetails with ongoing efforts by the Fijian Elections Office to promote electoral participation, especially among underrepresented groups and younger voters. Past campaigns have sought to address the low voter turnout, particularly among voters aged 18 to 30, where only about 58% participated in the last election. By empowering community advocates who are trusted and familiar with their constituencies, the programme aims to foster connections that inspire confidence in the electoral system.
With the election preparations underway, Fiji’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and participatory democratic process stands out as a beacon of optimism. The strategic implementation of Community Election Advocates marks an encouraging development toward a more transparent and accessible electoral environment, setting the stage for increased participation and strengthening the democratic foundations of the nation.