FEO and Employment Ministry Partner to Boost Overseas Voter Participation

Fijians working abroad will now have greater access to voter registration and civic awareness initiatives following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations (MEPWR).

The partnership, formalized today, aims to strengthen electoral participation among Fijians employed overseas, particularly those under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme.

Supervisor of Elections, Ms Ana Mataiciwa, described the MoU as a landmark commitment to strengthening Fiji’s democracy, ensuring that every eligible Fijian—regardless of location—has the opportunity to register and vote.

“This is not just a formal agreement. It is a commitment to breaking down barriers that have long prevented overseas workers from participating in elections,” Ms Mataiciwa said. “As we prepare for the 2026 General Elections, this partnership will play a crucial role in ensuring a fair, inclusive, and representative democratic process.”

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Mr Maritino Nemani, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of overseas workers in shaping the country’s future.

“This collaboration ensures that our citizens abroad are not left behind in the electoral process,” Mr Nemani said. “Through this agreement, we will work closely with our partners to facilitate voter registration and ensure that Fijians working overseas remain engaged in the democratic process.”

Under the agreement, key initiatives include:

-Establishing voter registration booths at the Ministry to assist outbound PALM and RSE workers.
-Providing updated worker data to aid in overseas voter registration planning.
-Integrating voter education into pre-departure briefings.
-Enhancing overseas voter engagement in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
-Sharing trade union data with the FEO to expand outreach efforts.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both the FEO and the Ministry, with both parties expressing their commitment to ensuring that Fijians working overseas have a voice in national elections.