The Fijian Elections Office believes problems stemming from elections held here in the Pacific can be solved by working collectively.

Addressing participants at a democracy assessment workshop yesterday, Mohammed Saneem said: “Elections in the Pacific, like many other things, pose numerous unique challenges that the election management bodies have to deal with.

“However some of these challenges are only common to Pacific countries as I personally believe that through networking and sharing a lot of these common but unique issues can be resolved with ease.”

International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) together with Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute is hosting the two-day workshop at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.

It is designed on democracy assessments, measurements and data validation in Melanesia. This is the first of such workshop organised by International IDEA held in Fiji for the Melanesians.

Mr Saneem said there was a greater need for more studies to determine the root causes of the issues faced here in the Pacific.

He welcomes the new concept to contextualise and measure democracy in the Pacific and present the assessments.

“Studies conducted will reveal findings that will become strong pillars towards facilitating dialogue and strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance,” Mr Saneem said.

“This workshop will also enhance knowledge, sharing and promote the exchange of information and experience from our regional participants on their own country assessments.”

Interim Regional Director Asia-Pacific, International IDEA Andrew Ellis said it was time to debate the challenges faced.

“The workshop is also a celebration of the achievements and the future of democracy at a time when there is positive change, growing interactions and growing support,” he said.

The workshop has drawn colleges from a far as Sweden and participants from the Melanesian region.

Also present is 2014 Electoral Commission and Director of Development Studies, Professor Vijay Naidu. Dr Priya Chattier from the Australian National University will reflect on the gender dimensions of the presentation.

The workshop ends today.

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