The Fijian Elections Office has launched the Community Election Advocates Programme, aimed at enhancing civic engagement ahead of the upcoming elections. The initiative will deploy 450 trained volunteers throughout Fiji, positioned as vital conduits between electoral institutions and their local communities.
In a virtual launch event held in Suva, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa highlighted the transformative role this program aims to play in fostering democratic participation. She noted, “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 addressed the significance of this initiative during the launch, asserting the importance of ensuring public trust in electoral processes. The programme operates under the guiding principle “Reach One, Empower All,” marking a departure from traditional electoral education methods by incorporating local volunteers, particularly from faith-based and civil society organizations.
This initial phase of the project will provide comprehensive training sessions over two days for these advocates, covering essential topics such as the importance of voting, the voter registration process, and strategies for communicating with local communities while maintaining political neutrality.
The Community Election Advocates Programme has garnered support from international partners, including New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, alongside the United Nations Development Programme’s Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections Fiji Project. This collaboration underscores a unified effort to strengthen Fiji’s democratic processes during this critical period.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Fijian Elections Office to improve electoral participation, particularly among underrepresented groups and younger voters. Previous campaigns have focused on addressing low voter turnout, notably highlighting that only about 58% of voters aged 18 to 30 participated in the last election. By fostering community engagement through advocates familiar with and trusted by their communities, the programme aims to build bridges that inspire confidence in the electoral system.
As preparations for the upcoming elections continue, Fiji’s commitment to a more inclusive and participatory democratic process stands as a beacon of hope, promising to enhance civic trust and encourage active engagement among all eligible citizens. The strategic deployment of Community Election Advocates reflects an encouraging trend toward a more transparent and accessible electoral landscape, paving the way for heightened participation and stronger democratic foundations in the nation.