FEO screens over 2,300 applicants in election recruitment drive

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has so far screened 2,304 applicants, as part of a target to screen 18,000 applications in preparation for upcoming electoral activities.

FEO Acting Deputy Supervisor Anaseini Senimoli said the group was screened during the first phase of recruitment, with about 10,000 applicants expected to be appointed as presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and election officials.

The recruitment drive began on April 13 and is scheduled to end on May 3 for the first phase.

Ms Senimoli said FEO recently conducted a dedicated recruitment drive in Labasa.

However, she said the confirmation of the 10,000 election officials would depend on the number of polling stations that will be opened nationwide.

Recruitment has been conducted across all four centres — Suva, Nausori, Labasa and Lautoka.

The second phase will involve training for election officials. Based on assessments and evaluations during training, selected candidates will then undergo further training to become presiding and assistant presiding officers.

Past election experience matters

Ms Senimoli said applicants with past election experience working with the organisation had a good chance of being reappointed.

“We have received many applications from officials who worked during the previous General Election and wish to return, which is encouraging,” she said.

She said some applicants had experience dating back to the 2014 national elections.

When asked about gender representation among applicants, Ms Senimoli said a breakdown was not yet available.

However, she said applicants were drawn from all age groups, including youth, middle‑aged adults, both males and females, and elderly persons.

“There is a good mix of people turning up in our recruitment drive,” she said.

Challenges

Ms Senimoli said some challenges had been identified, including applicants who did not bring the required documentation.

These included the absence of voter cards, bank details or statements, M‑PAiSA details, Tax Identification Number (TIN) letters, and Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) membership numbers or statements.

For interested individuals, requirements include being a registered Fijian voter, being apolitical, and possessing basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Applicants are also required to be available during the election period.