Multinational Observer Group Declares 2018 Poll Transparent and Credible
The Multinational Observer Group has declared that the 2018 General Election is transparent and credible.
In a 10-page interim statement, the co-chairs of the MOG outlined it in accordance with MOG’s terms of reference.
Co-Chair Jane Prentice said: “The MOG’s observation is that the process to date has been transparent and credible.
“Our members witnessed electoral preparations, pre-polling, Election Day polling, counting and tabulation of results.
“MOG believes that Fijians were able to exercise their right to vote freely and that the outcome is on track to reflect the will of Fijian voters.
“The people of Fiji should have confidence in the conduct of FEO electoral procedures.
“The wet weather conditions on Election Day did make it difficult for many voters.
“However, all election stakeholders, especially the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), did their best to encourage voters to turn out to vote, and we commend them for that,” Ms Prentice said.
“Our observers also noted the strong enthusiasm among the voters who battled the rain to turn out to vote.”
She said the voting process was conducted professionally and largely without error adding that MOG has been impressed by the professionalism and transparency displayed by FEO and its staff.
“The successful conduct of Election Day was a testament to this professionalism and their degree of preparation,” she said.
She stated that it was clear that FEO had taken onboard many of the lessons learnt from the last election and refined many of its internal processes over the past four years.
Counting and tabulation of results
MOG found the counting procedures thorough, with iterative elements that allowed FEO staff and party agents opportunities to address any errors.
They noted that the “provisional” mode of tabulation is not spelled out in the Electoral Act.
It is a system introduced by the electoral authorities to provide to the public speedy information about the trends of the election results, which has no legal standing.
Presiding officers relayed results by telephone to the Results Centre and provided the basis for the FEO’s provisional results which were made available publicly on-line in real time.
MOG teams observed the processes and found them well-organised.
They also observed that Opposition parties raised concerns with MOG that the provision of these results was not provided for in the legislation.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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