Former mayor urges Lami residents to register for municipal polls

Lami resident and former mayor Tevita Vuatalevu, the first person to cast a vote in the last municipal election, is once again stepping forward to lead by example.

He urged residents to register as Fiji prepares for the return of municipal polls.

Mr Vuatalevu said his early registration was intended to encourage citizens, particularly young people, to take responsibility for the future of their town.

“I just wanted to come and be the first to show the rest of the people to come forward for registration and get the municipality going,” Mr Vuatalevu said.

He said that youth participation is critical, noting that young people now make up the majority and must be involved early in governance processes.

“The earlier they get involved, the better,” he said.

Mr Vuatalevu said the reintroduction of municipal elections marks an important opportunity for residents to have their voices heard again after years without elected councils.

“They should come forward for registration and vote in a council to take care of municipal duties,” he said.

Civic participation, he said, would be key to restoring accountability and improving services in Lami.