Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya has raised concerns regarding the alarmingly low voter turnout among Fijians living abroad, revealing that only around 600 of the 12,000 registered overseas voters engaged in the recent elections. During a parliamentary session, Koya called attention to this significant gap, urging immediate action to enhance participation before the next general election.
He remarked, “Around 12,000 voters were registered from overseas, but only 600 voted — that’s a huge gap.” Koya attributed the low turnout not to issues with ballots or timing but to a deeper challenge related to engaging expatriate voters. He pointed out that losing nearly 10,000 overseas ballots could be pivotal in an election landscape where results can be decided by a mere thousand votes or fewer.
To address this situation, Koya has requested that the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) conduct an investigation to uncover the reasons behind this minimal participation rate. He underscored the necessity of encouraging all eligible Fijians to vote in the forthcoming elections.
Furthermore, a recent Voter Perception Survey revealed that many expatriate Fijians feel a strong civic obligation to vote, yet only 6.9% followed through in casting their ballots. This low participation mirrors challenges found in other parts of Fiji, where various logistical issues and a lack of effective communication are significant barriers to voter turnout.
Previous discussions have highlighted the crucial need for comprehensive voter education and targeted outreach efforts, particularly aimed at younger voters and those residing in remote areas. As Fiji looks ahead to the general elections in 2026, the FEO is implementing several initiatives designed to overcome these hurdles and promote greater civic engagement among all voters.
Recent collaborations, such as those between the FEO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aim to enhance the electoral experience of expatriates, ensuring they are well-informed and supported throughout the voting process. These developments indicate a positive trajectory toward a more inclusive democracy in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of representing all citizens, no matter their location.
As the country prepares for its upcoming electoral cycle, the intensified focus on boosting voter participation, especially among citizens living overseas, inspires a hopeful outlook for the future of democratic engagement and governance in Fiji.