Who should watch Fiji’s vote?
Fijian Elections Office pushes for local monitors as MPs question neutrality ahead of 2026 polls.
Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 18:00
Fijian Elections Office officials assist voters at the John Wesley School polling venue in Suva during the national election on December 14, 2022.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
As Fiji moves closer to its next general election, the question of who monitors the vote has stirred new debate.
The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) says it wants to include local observers to promote openness and civic participation, but some Members of Parliament warn that Fiji’s small population makes true neutrality hard to guarantee.
Speaking during a recent parliamentary hearing, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya questioned whether domestic observers could be seen as independent in a country where personal and political ties run deep.
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“In a country of our size, it’s difficult to find people seen as truly neutral. Won’t domestic observers just be viewed as aligning with one side or another?” Mr Koya asked.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa acknowledged those concerns but said the FEO’s goal is to prepare local civil society groups to meet international standards.
“The law does not restrict domestic observers,” she said.
“What we’re doing now is empowering Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to understand the electoral process so that, if they become observers, they are ready and not overwhelmed.''
Ms Mataiciwa said the FEO has already started training through its Community Election Advocates Programme, which has engaged more than 450 volunteers across Fiji.
“We’re focusing on awareness and capacity-building so that Fijians can take greater ownership of their elections,” she added.
However, Mr Koya maintained that international observers still play a vital role in protecting Fiji’s electoral credibility abroad.
“Perception matters. Until we’re at a stage where independence is unquestionable, international observers still play a key role,” he said.
Ms Mataiciwa noted that the final decision on whether domestic observers will be included rests with the minister responsible for elections but stressed that the FEO’s priority is strengthening transparency and public trust.
“We want everyone involved, voters, observers, and the media to understand that transparency is at the heart of a credible election,” she said.
The next general election must be held between June 24, 2026, earliest possible date, and February 6, 2027, with the latest possible date.
Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj
