The battle lines are probably drawn. Well, at least when it comes to the power of that one vote. Think about it. Months away from our expected General Election, or a timeline many will assume is just around the corner, we have numbers to contend with.
That’s a start! The numbers, that is!
The Central Division has the largest share of Fiji’s registered voters, accounting for more than 43 per cent. The Fijian Elections Office tells us there were 723,771 registered voters as of June this year.
Back in November 2022, the then supervisor of elections Mohammed Saneem confirmed 693,915 registered voters as of October 31 that year. He announced there were 348,349 registered male voters and 345,566 female voters.
Our Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says the updated figures that are out now provide the FEO with an important basis for preparations.
Of the total registered voters, 362,438 are male and 361,333 are female.
Ms Mataiciwa says the figures will guide preparations, including polling operations and voter services.
The figures show a significant concentration in our two largest divisions, with the Central and Western together accounting for more than four out of every five voters. Now that is massive. In fact, it is also encouraging.
We learn that the Central Division has 313,135 registered voters, representing 43.3 per cent of the national total. The Western Division follows with 270,175 voters, or 37.3 per cent. Combined, the two divisions have 583,310 registered voters, accounting for 80.6 per cent of all registered voters.
The Northern Division has 102,304 registered voters, making up 14.1 per cent of the national register. This leaves less than 6 per cent of registered voters spread across the Eastern Division and overseas.
So, again, we probably could say the battle lines are drawn. The numbers are out. And for the first time in a very long time, we have the base for a free-for-all campaign period, without the challenges of 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Let’s face it, campaigns will ride on social media and openness, without the stress of uncertainty. There definitely is excitement in the air. Well, to some extent! There is something different about this one coming up! Something special!
While we must guard against misinformation, fake news and fake profiles, social media is brimming with influencers pushing their agenda. We are talking about democracy, freedom of speech and choice. We are talking about the right to be informed about politicians and what needs to happen. We have figures.
Registered political parties have something to work with and plan their strategies around.
At the last election in 2022, voter turnout was 68.30 per cent. The challenge now is on us, the people, to be engaged. That’s the next big step forward. We have to face this.
Democracy works best when we all participate, seek information, listen to ideas and make informed choices. We must embrace the fact that our vote is our voice. We have got to be aware. Engagement helps govern our nation!
