Local government elections set for September

The voice in our towns and cities is returning to you.

That is the message from the Government and the Fijian Elections Office as Fiji prepares for its first municipal elections in 21 years — a vote that will once again allow residents to choose who runs their towns and cities.

An awareness drive launched in Suva yesterday marks the start of nationwide efforts to prepare voters for the return of local government elections.

Permanent Secretary for Local Government and chairperson of the Local Government Elections Working Group Seema Sharma said the elections would restore the role of residents in shaping the future of their municipalities.

“After 21 years, the voice of residents in our towns and cities is returning to where it belongs, at the heart of municipal decision-making,” Ms Sharma said.

The Fijian Elections Office said the campaign aims to ensure voters understand how the process works before polling begins.

Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa said voter awareness was essential for meaningful participation.

“Voter awareness lies at the very centre of electoral administration. It is not a box for the FEO to tick before polling day. A voter who does not understand the process cannot participate with confidence,” Ms Mataiciwa said.

The awareness campaign includes a digital and social media video, printed flyers and posters for distribution in municipalities, and a mascot named “Leo”.

Voter registration will begin on April 13, the next step in preparations for the elections expected in September.

Over the coming months, the Fijian Elections Office will work with municipal councils, civil society organisations, political parties, government agencies and the media to ensure voters receive clear information about the process.

The elections will allow voters in Fiji’s 13 municipalities to elect councillors responsible for guiding development and services in their towns and cities.