Voter roll climbs ahead of polls

Fiji’s electoral roll has grown to 707,982 registered voters as of December 31, 2025, reflecting steady progress in preparations for the next general election.

The update was confirmed by the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, who said ongoing registration work both within Fiji and overseas continues to strengthen the accuracy and reach of the national voter list.

Election officials say the latest figure is the result of sustained registration activity across the country, alongside continued efforts to engage Fijians living abroad.

The overseas voter registration programme remains a key focus, ensuring citizens in the diaspora are included in the democratic process.

Ms Mataiciwa said that over the past year, registration and outreach drives were carried out in collaboration with government agencies, including the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“These efforts have extended across several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, the United States (including Hawaii), the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Tonga, and the United Kingdom. Altogether, the number of registered overseas voters now stands at 2,460,” Ms Mataiciwa said.

The Electoral Office, in a media briefing yesterday, emphasised that this international engagement is aimed at making voting more inclusive for Fijians living and working overseas, while keeping them connected to national decision-making processes.

Recent outreach visits to countries such as Nauru and Tonga are part of the continued expansion of the programme.

Within Fiji, access to voter services has also widened. New registration and service centres have been established beyond the main urban hubs of Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.

Additional locations include the Civic Centre, Lami Town Council, the Langerie Market area in Nasinu, the Nasinu Town Council Library, the Office of the Commissioner Central, and facilities across the Northern and Western divisions.

Ms Mataiciwa said these changes are designed to make voter services more accessible, particularly for people in fast-growing urban and peri-urban areas who previously faced challenges reaching registration points.