THE Fiji Elections Office (FEO) has officially begun voter registration for Fijians preparing to work in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes.

This was confirmed in a statement by supervisor of elections, Ana Mataiciwa who said these workers could now participate in future general elections while residing abroad.

This development follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Employment and the Fiji Elections Office last month, aimed at restoring the voting rights of Fijians employed overseas, rights that were previously restricted.

Permanent Secretary for Employment Maritino Nemani said the MoU was a response to growing calls from workers to be included in the electoral process.

“We hear you, and that’s why we have done this MoU,” Mr Nemani said.

“During my last visit to PALM workers and their families, many shared how much they wanted to vote in the upcoming elections.

“We are now making that possible.”

Ms Mataiciwa confirmed that registration began on Monday, March 31, and was progressing well.

She said voter registration booths had been set up at Kshatriya Hall in Suva during pre-departure briefings for outbound workers.

Pre-departure training will also include voter awareness and instructions on the postal voting process.

“Plans for the Overseas Voter Registration Drive were shared with the ministry’s liaison officers and are expected to be finalised by the end of August, pending stakeholder input and budget approval,” Ms Mataciwa said.

The FEO’s Stakeholder Engagement and Awareness (SEA) Department will conduct voter education sessions starting next week, covering how to apply for postal voting and the importance of staying politically engaged from abroad.

“There have been no challenges in the implementation process so far.

“Voter registration has commenced, and progress is satisfactory.”