A national civic education initiative has been launched to prepare communities in Fiji for the country’s first Local Government Elections in twenty years. The Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, emphasized that this campaign represents a significant effort to restore democratic representation and empower citizens to engage actively in decisions impacting their towns and cities.
“For two decades our towns and cities have not had elected councils. This campaign aims to equip people with the knowledge, confidence, and voice they need before they head to the voting booth,” Nalumisa stated. The initiative is designed to help residents understand the effects of local government on their everyday lives, covering essential topics such as waste collection, markets, drainage, planning, safety, and community development.
To maximize the campaign’s reach, the Ministry will collaborate with the Fijian Elections Office, municipal councils, and various community groups, ensuring that vital information reaches every resident. Minister Nalumisa also reassured the public that the inclusion of certain iTaukei villages into municipal wards would not infringe on land ownership, traditional governance, or the status of native reserves.
This civic education campaign will continue until the end of January next year, leading up to the long-anticipated local government elections. With this initiative, there is a renewed hope for engagement and participation in local governance, setting the stage for a more democratic and involved citizenry in Fiji’s political landscape.