The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has defended the integrity of Fiji’s electoral processes, assuring the public that the National Register of Voters is maintained in strict compliance with the country’s electoral laws.
In a statement, the FEO said it welcomed public scrutiny and informed discussion on electoral matters but stressed that claims about the voter register and other electoral processes must be based on credible evidence rather than assumptions or misinformation.
The Office said it had noted the circulation of false and misleading information relating to the National Register of Voters and other aspects of the electoral system.
The FEO warned that where necessary, it would consider invoking Section 144A(1) of the Electoral Act 2014, which prohibits the publication of information that is known, or reasonably believed, to be false and likely to influence the outcome of an election or undermine public confidence in the Supervisor of Elections or the Electoral Commission.
Under the Act, anyone found guilty of breaching the provision faces a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The FEO said voter registration is conducted in person using prescribed identification requirements and that the National Register of Voters is continuously updated through registration and voter update services, nationwide and overseas registration drives, and regular data-cleaning exercises.
It said these exercises are carried out in collaboration with agencies including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Immigration, Fiji National Provident Fund and the Fiji Corrections Service to verify records relating to deaths, citizenship status and other changes affecting voter eligibility.
According to the FEO, these verification exercises are conducted more frequently during the election period to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the register.
The Office said it had assessed a number of recent claims regarding the National Register of Voters and other electoral processes and found that they were “not supported by the facts.”
It also assured the public that voter registration processes, election systems and the assignment of voters to polling stations are administered in accordance with the Electoral Laws and established operational procedures.
The FEO said these systems are subject to continuous verification, oversight and review, supported by legal and administrative safeguards to ensure the integrity, security, accuracy and efficient delivery of electoral services.
The Office urged members of the public to obtain election-related information through its official communication channels and seek clarification before publishing or sharing information about the electoral process.
It reaffirmed its commitment to administering elections that are accurate, credible and fully compliant with Fiji’s electoral laws, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and professionalism.
