A submissiom was made yesterday for voters to cast their vote at any polling station around the country.
Navoci villager Taniela Momoelevu told those present at the review of the electoral laws public consultation yesterday that he could not vote in the last election because he was registered to vote in Tamavua.
“With respect to the last election, my experience was not very good, I did not vote,” he said.
“I used to work in Suva and I registered in Tamavua and then I moved back home to Nadi.
“Unfortunately, I was not allowed to vote because I was registered somewhere else.”
Mr Momoelevu said he was told to visit the Fijian Elections Office to change his address.
“Unfortunately, some of us do not have the time or privilege to do that as we work in a hotel and it’s shift work, so we don’t have the time to visit the elections office
“My question is if we can be allowed this time around, if we are based at an area because of our occupation, can we be also allowed to vote anywhere apart from where we stay.
“I am a youth member as well and would often get questions from youths on elections and the registration part is my issue.”
In response, commissioner Prof Wadan Narsey said it was a question raised quite often during public consultations.
“Especially in the past elections, you were required to register on your voter identification card,” Prof Narsey said. “And it would tell you which polling station you must vote at.
“So many people have told us the voter ID card is a unique card, and people who are working far from home have asked us why they can’t vote anywhere which is convenient for them.
“We have taken that suggestion on board and we are hoping the issue would make it easier for you to vote.
“And you don’t have to waste $100 trying to go back to your polling station in order to vote.
“To vote is a service you are doing to the people of Fiji because when you vote, you are exercising your democratic right to vote.
“But also you are contributing to the people who are being elected to Parliament and, hopefully, good people.”
