A TOTAL of 13,861 Fijians have passed the computer-based test to serve as election officials, with their documents now being verified as the Fiji Elections Office begins a nationwide training program involving 70 field trainers and about 720 sessions.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa said the training comes as Fiji could be just 12 to 13 weeks away from the next general election, with December 24 the last possible date for the writ to be issued.
“This is a very important event for Fiji,” she said.
Documentation for the successful candidates, she said, was being checked as part of the confirmation process.
The training will run from September to November and will be rolled out across Fiji’s four divisions.
“We have enough budget resources allocated.”
Ms Mataiciwa said the program was important to ensure officials understood the voting process and were confident in carrying out their responsibilities on Election Day.
“This basically is a platform where they will be able to go through the processes with the subject experts.”
She also confirmed that proposed electoral law changes currently before Parliament would not affect the voting process being taught to officials.
“The voting process remains the same. The ballot paper remains the same.”
She added that officials would also be provided with manuals to guide them at polling stations, rather than being expected to memorise every procedure.
