Govt launches drive to prepare voters for 2026 municipal elections

An entire generation of Fijians has grown up without experiencing local democracy which has prompted the Government to launch an intensive civic education campaign yesterday.

This is to prepare voters for the upcoming local municipal elections.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa said the campaign was essential because Fiji has not held local government elections since 2005.

“An entire generation has grown up without even participating or witnessing this level of democratic representation,” Mr Nalumisa said at the campaign launch at the Fiji Football building in Suva.

“Civic education ensures that no Fijian walks into the election booths as uninformed or unprepared.”

The campaign will run until the end of January 2026, using mainstream media, social media platforms and community visits to reach residents in all municipal wards.

Before voters can register, they need to understand why local government matters, what services councils provide and how elected councillors affect their daily lives, from waste management to town planning and infrastructure.

Minister permanent secretary Seema Sharma said the campaign would target all communities, with special emphasis on encouraging participation from women and young voters.

“Before we even come to the discussing of the legislation or how to vote, we must first build the knowledge, awareness and confidence of residents so they understand their votes,” Mr Nalumisa said.

The ministry has allocated $500,000 for the civic education programme.

Municipal councils make decisions affecting residents’ everyday lives, from markets and streetlights to business development and community wellbeing.

Acting Deputy Supervisor of Elections Anaseini Senimoli affirmed the Fijian Elections Office’s readiness to support the campaign and deliver the elections.

“This campaign will ensure that voters are informed, confident and ready to participate meaningfully in upcoming elections,” she said.

The municipal elections are scheduled for September 2026, with the exact date to be determined by the Electoral Commission.

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