Acting Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says the inclusion of the elections disability access working group (EDAWG) is one of their main priorities in the launch of the 2024-2027 strategic plan.
She says the elections office is taking a proactive approach moving forward.
“It’s actually a new directive for the Fijian Elections Office and being inclusive with our stakeholders,” Ms Mataiciwa says.
This inclusivity approach means engaging regularly with every section of society including those with disabilities and not only during elections time as was the practice before.
She says the consultations will start with understanding the electoral processes and learning the basics rules of becoming a candidate or forming a political party.
“All those will be part of the workshop for them.”
Ms Mataiciwa says the strategic plan also includes auditing the voting system.
“We all know of what transpired last year with regards to our system and this strategic plan also encompass the audit for the system we have in the Fijian Elections Office to enable the Fijian voters to trust the system.”
She adds that members of the media, civil society organisations, political parties and stakeholders will be included in the consultations and workshops.
This is to help everyone understand the process, feel inclusive to it and be ready to freely participate in Fiji’s elections freely and without fear, Ms Mataciwa says.
