Fiji’s Electoral Commission chair Mukesh Nand has cautioned representatives of Fiji’s political parties to expect changes to the Fijian Elections Office’s operational plans in the lead up to the 2022 General Elections.
In his address during a political party workshop, in Suva today, aimed to update parties on the process of the conduct of the election, Nand said changes, once the election date is announced, are inevitable.
The workshop which was aired live via the FEO’s Facebook page touched on election process timelines, candidate eligibility and nomination, among others.
“They are to be treated for information purposes, for planning and preoperational purposes and you must always ensure that you treat it with a caution that things are subject to change,” Nand said.
He made reference to lessons learned from COVID-19 about not taking things for granted, and as such says electoral plans still incorporate COVID-safe measures “for the very reason that we need to be prepared in case anything surprises us.”
Fiji currently has eight political parties registered to contest the 2022 General Elections being the ruling FijiFirst government party, opposition parties SODELPA and National Federation Party, Unity Fiji, Fiji Labour Party, Freedom Alliance, People’s Alliance and We Unite Fiji party.
The parties face a possible split in votes further with the proposed New Generation Party on the wings, awaiting the endorsement of their application to contest the elections. The proposed party had submitted its application on 11 April.
Photo: Political party reps during the workshop at Suvavou House in Suva today. Courtesy of: Fijian Elections Office
