Voter registration drive continues ahead of General Election

Preparations for the next General Election are continuing at full pace despite Government’s decision to defer the Local Government Elections until after the national polls.

In a joint statement, the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office acknowledged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement that municipal elections would now be held after the General Election.

However, both institutions stressed that voter registration and election preparations remained ongoing across the country.

“While the timing of the Local Government Elections has changed, the work of preparing Fiji for its next national electoral event continues with full momentum,” the statement said.

The Electoral Commission and FEO said they recognised the broader national considerations outlined by Government, including fiscal pressures, operational demands and the scale of electoral activities expected in the coming months.

“The FEO remains focused on ensuring that Fiji’s electoral preparedness and voter registration efforts continue efficiently and responsibly.”

The authorities said voter registration activities had now become even more important as Fiji prepares for the next General Election, which could be held any time between August 7, 2026, and February 6, 2027.

FEO teams are continuing nationwide outreach programmes in villages, settlements, schools, tertiary institutions, workplaces and communities to ensure eligible voters can register, verify and update their details.

Since the launch of the YES Outreach Nationwide Voter Registration and Awareness exercise on May 4, more than 16,000 Fijians have accessed voter registration and awareness services.

The Electoral Commission and FEO urged eligible voters not to wait until an election date is announced.

“Register now. Update your details now. Be prepared now.”

They said preparations for the General Election were already well advanced and included recruitment of election officials, voter awareness programmes, operational planning, systems testing, stakeholder engagement and readiness activities.

The Electoral Commission and FEO reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the electoral process remained professional, transparent and credible.

“Fiji’s electoral institutions will continue to work closely with stakeholders, communities, and voters across the country to ensure that every eligible Fijian is informed, prepared, and able to participate confidently and meaningfully in Fiji’s democratic process.”