Work is already underway behind the scenes as the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) steps up preparations for the long-awaited Local Government elections anticipated for September this year.
A lot of people will remember that our last municipal elections were held back in 2005.
In November last year, Cabinet approved the Electoral (Local Government Elections) Regulations 2025, moving us a step closer to restoring municipal elections after nearly two decades.
At the time, it was explained that the new regulations would establish the rules and procedures for municipal polls, replacing the outdated 1972 Local Government (Elections) Regulations under the Local Government Act 1972.
Now, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says February this year was dedicated to finalising internal preparations, while March will focus on stakeholder briefings and the rollout of a nationwide awareness campaign.
Let’s face it. There is little doubt that people want this. You just have to listen to conversations in communities or discussions trending across different platforms to appreciate the level of interest.
We are living in a period of growing awareness and empowerment, where more people are actively engaging in conversations about issues shaping our nation. It reflects the essence of democracy and highlights where we stand today as a society.
We have emerged from a time when public expression often felt constrained into a period where people are more informed, confident, and willing to voice their views.
Democracy thrives on the willingness to listen, to communicate, and to respect differing opinions. And when people feel safe to express their frustrations, ideas, and hopes at the national level, we have a more diverse exchange of views.
Against that backdrop, it is encouraging to see the machinery now moving to ensure municipal elections finally take place. Ms Mataiciwa says March will be dedicated to engaging stakeholders and explaining the preparations underway for the elections expected later this year.
Public awareness programs will also begin rolling out during the month to inform voters about the process and what they can expect. While September has been identified as the target month for the polls, the exact date has yet to be confirmed.
Under the regulations, we learn that municipal elections must be held on a Saturday. With four Saturdays in September, it may be that the final date will depend on the readiness of the electoral process.
She also revealed that a committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, bringing together officials from the elections office and other key stakeholders, has been meeting regularly since the regulations were finalised in December.
Residents in our 13 municipalities are being encouraged to prepare themselves as the awareness campaign gathers momentum in the months ahead. At the same time, attention is also turning to the next general election.
According to the elections office, preparations for that national poll are already progressing, with the legal timeline mapped out.
The earliest possible writ for the general election could be issued on June 24, 2026. If that happens, the earliest potential election date would fall on August 7, 2026. If the writ is issued at the latest allowable date, on Christmas Eve, 2026, the election could be held as late as February 6, 2027.
The timelines matter because they remind us that democracy is not just about voting on one day. It is about preparation, participation and trust in the institutions that safeguard the process. The return of municipal elections after nearly 20 years represents a chance for us all to have a direct say in how our towns and cities are governed.
We shouldn’t take that responsibility lightly.
Strong democracies depend on active citizens. It depends on people who are willing to listen, debate, question and participate. As the months unfold, let’s be clear about something, that democracy works best when we all take part.
And in a nation as diverse and vibrant as ours, it is about engagement!
