VILLAGERS of Lovoni, Ovalau, have called on the Electoral Commission to conduct voter registration drives in schools.
During public consultations on the review of Fiji’s electoral laws, Siteri Tabuatolu of Nasaumatua Village, highlighted that many young adults aged 18 and above were students and often missed out on voter education and registration opportunities.
“We should have more voting drives in schools,” Ms Tabuatolu said.
“We still have quite a number of young adults, 18 to 20 years old, who are still in school.
“Most of the time during election days, they are in schools. Not much education in schools also about what to do and how to vote.”
Her suggestion was met with support from other villagers who agreed that more should be done to engage young voters.
In response, Electoral Commission chairman Daniel Fatiaki posed a thought-provoking question about the age of voting eligibility, asking whether 18 was an appropriate age to be making electoral decisions.
“I grew up in a country where the age of maturity was considered 21, and people celebrated their 21st birthday with a key, the key to freedom,” Mr Fatiaki said.
“Maybe our society’s age of maturity is 21. Are they ready to vote at 18?”
Several residents suggested the voting age should be increased to either 20 or 21, arguing that young people may not yet be prepared to make informed political choices.
