A total of 5681 election offi­cials have signed their con­tracts while 3547 are yet to sign.

This was highlighted by the Su­pervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem during a press conference at the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) in Suva yesterday.

He said the people who have not signed the contracts are urged to visit their venues in the respective divisions where their contracts are ready for signing.

Mr Saneem said they have come to a stage where the FEO could ac­tivate their Election Officials Con­tinuous Engagement Programme.

“This is an effort to maintain our link and partnership with individ­uals who will work on the election day and in pre-polling,” Mr Saneem said.

He said from May 2 until May 5, 2018, FEO will provide the 2018 General Election Manuals for elec­tion officials.

“These are the Presiding Officers Manual and the Polling Day Work­ers Manual,” Mr Saneem said.

These manuals are a vital re­source for persons who will work on the Election Day.

It contains the necessary instruc­tions on what election officials are expected to do in their specific roles within the polling venues.

The manuals have been designed as a comprehensive guide on con­ducting polling, reconciliation of ballot papers and counting of votes at every polling venue.

“We will be based in all towns and cities in the two main islands while a team will be in Taveuni,” Mr Saneem said.

“Our staff will also set up in heav­ily populated areas such as Nakasi and Seaqaqa.

“The Fijian Elections Office will also provide Election Official Pack­ages or Goodie Bags containing promotional items for the 2018 Gen­eral Election.

“Those who turn up to receive their packages will be eligible for an allowance of $15. This allowance is not deducted from the final pay,” Mr Saneem said.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar