The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) says it is fully prepared to conduct the next general election should the Writ be issued in the coming days, with extensive planning, voter registration efforts and recruitment of thousands of election officials already completed.
Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says the FEO has spent months preparing for the country’s next major democratic exercise and remains focused on ensuring that every eligible Fijian has the opportunity to participate.
“The FEO is prepared to conduct the upcoming general election should the Writ be issued in the coming days,” Ms Mataiciwa said.
She revealed that senior FEO officials recently undertook an intensive review of all election processes to ensure readiness across every stage of the electoral cycle.
“Last week, FEO senior management and core project owners participated in a four-day planning workshop where all activities from the issuance of Writ through to the Return of the Writ were reviewed and confirmed.”
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to assess preparations and identify any outstanding requirements before polling day.
“The workshop provided an opportunity for the FEO to conduct a comprehensive review of all election activities and ensure election readiness.”
Thousands of election officials recruited
One of the biggest undertakings ahead of any election is the recruitment and training of personnel responsible for managing polling stations and electoral operations throughout the country.
Ms Mataiciwa said significant progress had already been achieved in this area.
“The FEO has taken significant steps in ensuring election readiness for the next general election. Polling venues have been identified and confirmed.”
She said the recruitment process was well advanced, with thousands of officials already signed up.
“The FEO has also commenced the recruitment of election officials and training of field trainers.
“To date, we have recruited 12,695 election officials, and 102 field trainers have completed their training.”
The FEO has also secured election materials needed to conduct polling operations nationwide, further strengthening its state of preparedness.
“In addition, the FEO has also procured election materials required to conduct this general election.”
Voter registration drive reaches across Fiji and overseas
A major component of election preparation has been the FEO’s ongoing voter registration and awareness campaign aimed at ensuring all eligible citizens are registered and informed about the voting process.
Ms Mataiciwa said voter registration remains open until the Writ is issued.
“Voter registration remains ongoing and will continue until the day the Writ is issued.”
The FEO recently concluded a nationwide outreach campaign under its Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) initiative, taking registration services and voter education directly to communities.
“On 13 June 2026, the FEO completed its Nationwide Voter Registration and Awareness Drive as part of its YES outreach, during which teams travelled across the country providing voter registration services and delivering voter awareness sessions to communities, villages, schools, business houses and various organisations and government ministries.”
Ms Mataiciwa said the outreach effort was not limited to Fiji’s shores.
“Our teams are currently in Australia and New Zealand and will be in the US, Canada and PNG in the next few weeks, ensuring no Fijian is left behind in this general election.”
Voter numbers continue to grow
The latest voter registration figures show a growing electoral roll since the last general election.
As of December 31, 2025, Fiji had 707,982 registered voters, reflecting an increase in eligible citizens joining the national register.
Ms Mataiciwa confirmed that voter numbers had risen since the 2022 General Election.
“There is an increase in the number of registered voters.”
She said 14,067 new voters had been added to the register since the previous election, a figure that demonstrates continued public engagement in the democratic process.
The increase comes despite ongoing population movements within the country that have affected registration patterns in some areas.
Eastern Division remains a concern
The Elections Office says while voter registration rates are generally stable across most of Fiji, one region continues to present challenges.
“At present, voter registration rates generally remain stable across most regions. However, the Eastern Division continues to show a decline in registration numbers.”
Ms Mataiciwa said the trend was largely driven by migration patterns rather than voter disengagement.
“The Eastern Division continues to show a decline in registration numbers, primarily due to voter migration to other divisions for employment, education, and relocation purposes.”
The movement of people from maritime and rural areas to urban centres has been an ongoing demographic trend, creating shifts in voter distribution across the country.
More political parties seek registration
As election preparations continue, the political landscape is also becoming increasingly active.
The FEO currently has eight registered political parties eligible to participate in the electoral process.
In addition, Ms Mataiciwa said three proposed parties are seeking official registration.
“Yes, there are currently 3 that are being processed: Proposed NeXTGEN ALLIANCE PARTY, Proposed One Nation and Proposed Liberation of Fiji Party.”
The applications are being assessed in accordance with electoral laws and registration requirements.
Funding
Although logistical and staffing preparations are progressing smoothly, Ms Mataiciwa acknowledged that funding remained an important consideration.
Apart from funding considerations, she said there are no major operational concerns.
“Other than that, we do not have any logistical or staffing challenges.”
The Elections Office had been allocated $23.2 million in the 2026-2027 Budget to prepare for the upcoming general election, while an additional $18.2m has been set aside for main election day operations, the Finance Minister, Esrom Immanuel, announced on Friday.
Final call to voters
With registration still open, the Supervisor of Elections is urging eligible Fijians not to delay checking or updating their information.
“If you haven’t registered and you are 18 years and over, you need to register and get a Voter Card.”
Ms Mataiciwa is also urging registered voters to verify their information remains accurate.
“For those who have already registered, please check your voter card. If you have changed your address or any detail, get it updated. If your polling venue is not reflected on your voter card, get it updated.”
She reminded voters that replacement cards are available free of charge and warned that registration will cease once the Election Writ is issued.
“Fijians must remember once the Writ is issued, registration will stop, so they still have time to register now, and update their details. Do not wait until the last minute. The services are free of charge.”
As Fiji moves closer to its next general election, the message from the Elections Office is clear: preparations are well underway, voter numbers are growing, and the opportunity to participate remains open — but not for long.
