India donates four vehicles to boost Fiji's election preparations
Justice Ratuvili said the donation would significantly strengthen the FEO’s ability to deliver electoral services across the country, particularly in areas with difficult terrain.
Saturday 08 August 2026 | 07:00
His Excellency, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Fiji Shri Suneet Mehta hands over the keys to chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Republic of Fiji, Justice Usaia Ratuvuli on August 7, 2026.
Photo: FEO
The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has received four vehicles donated by the Government of India, strengthening its operational capacity ahead of the 2026-27 General Election.
The vehicles were officially handed over during a ceremony at the FEO Warehouse in Laucala Beach Estate on Friday.
The event officiated by Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili and Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Shri Suneet Mehta.
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Justice Ratuvili said the donation would significantly strengthen the FEO’s ability to deliver electoral services across the country, particularly in areas with difficult terrain.
“They will improve mobility, they will support voter registration and awareness activities, they will enhance logistical preparedness and facilitate the delivery of electoral materials and equipment,” he said.
Justice Ratuvuli confirmed the vehicles would be deployed across the Central-Eastern, Western and Northern Divisions when needed and would be used to transport awareness teams and election materials, including ballot boxes. On concerns over fuel costs amid the ongoing fuel crisis, Justice Ratuvili said the FEO’s budgetary allocation was sufficient.
“We are covered in terms of the budgetary allocation,” he said. “But of course, where we can have savings, we can double up. We’ll certainly do that.”
Mr Mehta said the handover was the latest in a decade-long partnership, with India previously donating vehicles and indelible ink for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 elections and a van in 2017.
“When the FEO approached us with a request for additional four vehicles to support the preparation for the upcoming General Election, India was pleased to respond positively,” he said.
Justice Ratuvili confirmed a separate request for indelible ink had also been made during his visit to India earlier this year, with Mr Mehta noting India hoped to deliver it “in the near future”.
In highlighting ongoing training cooperation, Mr Mehta noted FEO officials have participated in election-related programmes under India’s ITEC scheme, with a further international workshop planned for September 2026.
