The Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem had announced that there would be no change to the voter instructions booklet and the national candidates list.

This announcement was made by Mr Saneem at FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.

“Therefore, all candidates that were approved at the ball draw will be contesting the 2018 General Elections,” Mr Saneem said.

He also said any organisation operating on Elections Day would have to ensure all staff are given the opportunity to go and mark the ballot papers.

In addition, all election officials were to vote at the venue where they were assigned to work.

“If somebody is working, they should get sufficient opportunity for time to vote when they come to work,” Mr Saneem said.

“Employers are to take heed of this and please ensure that nobody is prevented for voting.

“The Fijian Elections Office also wishes to advise the public that buses will operate on Elections Day following the Public Holiday timetable and buses will also be doing extra trips in the morning to facilitate the travel of voters to polling stations.”

This arrangement has been agreed to by the Fiji Bus Operators Association, Mr Saneem said.

Furthermore, Mr Saneem reminded the public about the black-out period.

“The black-out period has commenced from Sunday midnight, but the FEO has received complaints of vehicles with campaign materials such as bumper stickers and banners,” he said.

“Please exercise precaution and take these down as you may also be facing some criminal prosecution for not adhering to the blackout requirements.

“We will be referring matters to FICAC if we come across any person that has not removed it by this afternoon.”

The Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) chairperson Ashwin Raj has made an appeal to the public that if they see any campaign materials on social media to report back to them immediately.

“Also to individuals residing abroad who are posting campaign contents please exercise reason,” Mr Raj said.

“If you want to see free and credible elections, you need to make sure all voters get that decree so that they are able to cast their vote without any pressure or influence.”

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback: sheenam.chandra@fijisun.com.fj