Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem must be commended for the way he has steered the Fijian Elections Office in preparation for the 2018 general elections.

Despite calls for him to resign from politicians who have their own political agenda, he has soldiered on to ensure that we participate in the best election so far.

Obviously, there are lessons to be learned from the 2014 general election and no doubt these will be taken on board.

What is important is moving forward with changes that will make the next general election more efficient and voter friendly. The ultimate aim to ensure that voters get all the help they need to vote and choose who they feel should govern the country in the next four years after the poll. This is what it’s all about. This is democracy in action.

To make sure that this objective is achieved, we need election officials who are well trained to cope with the pressures of polling.

In its recruitment drive the FEO has made it clear that all positions will be awarded on order of merit. The FEO had declared that it is an equal opportunity employer. This means that the best suitably qualified people will be chosen on merit.

They must possess good literacy and numeracy skills and be politically neutral. The neutrality issue means that they will perform their role  based on their terms of reference and job description. It also means they will be impartial and not bend to political pressure from any group.

The FEO has set a high standard and quality of the election will depend on those administering it. Mr Saneem has been at the forefront of this significant and positive change.

At this rate, we can expect an improved election next year.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj