The COVID-19 pandemic poses a real threat to the upcoming Fijian election, and can impact the outcome, said Dialogue Fiji’s executive director Nilesh
Lal while speaking at the “Building Public Confidence in Elections in Fiji through Civil Society Action” workshop at the Warwick Fiji Resort yesterday. He said alarmingly most people in Fiji had become extremely complacent about COVID-19.
“There is the real threat that the ongoing COVID-19 poses for the upcoming elections,” said Mr Lal.
“No one is talking about the impact future large scale outbreaks of COVID-19 will have on the upcoming elections in Fiji.
“I have not heard this being discussed in the public domain despite the real threat it poses to the holding of elections in Fiji or how it can potentially impact on the integrity of electoral processes or electoral outcomes. According to International IDEA, between February 2020 and 2022, at least 80 countries and territories across the globe have decided to postpone national and sub-national elections due to COVID-19.
“This shows the need to prepare for scenarios where the pandemic can affect our upcoming and make contingency plans.”
A panel discussion will be held today at the workshop to deliver an outcome on the issue that will be given to relevant authorities for consideration.
In an electronic mail response, Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem queried what were these perceived threats.
“It is highly irregular for you to ask us to make a statement so you can tick off your ‘balance’ checkbox. You need to look into the material contents of the statement and our queries arising thereof before you publish,” he said.
“As you have sent us an email enquiry, what stops you from obtaining details so we can respond appropriately.”
