Every Fijian not only has the constitutional right to vote but has a patriotic duty to do so and choose the future they want for Fiji.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere made this comment while delivering his address at the launch of the nationwide registration and awareness campaign at the Grand Pacific Hotel yesterday.
“Every adult citizen in Fiji has a constitutional right to vote freely under an electoral system that treats votes equally,” said Mr Katonivere.
“No matter who we are, where we come from, what faith we follow, whether we are young or old, whether we are man or a woman, we are all guaranteed equal votes.
“Fijians today expect equality and that is a powerful sign of progress.”
Mr Katonivere urged Fijians to vote wisely in the upcoming general election.
“We vote wisely. We vote in support of the policies that we believe offer us our best possible future.
“So your participation in our electoral system matters.
“It matters because it affects every aspect of our lives.”
Mr Katonivere said observing the electoral process was not just enough.
“Complaining either is not enough.
“We have to actually participate by taking the time to register and then vote on elections day.
“We do not know yet the date of the next election but we know it’s fast approaching.
“We appreciate all that the Fijian Elections Office has done and all that it is doing to ensure that our people across access to registration, voting sites and credible election information.”
