Fiji Forms Working Group to Combat Disinformation in Electoral Processes

In late November 2024, a key initiative to protect Fiji’s electoral integrity was launched with the formation of a working group focused on preventing disinformation in electoral processes.

The group includes representatives from several influential Fijian organizations, such as the Fijian Elections Office, Fiji Media Association, Fiji Media Council, FemLink Pacific, Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding, Online Safety Commission, and the Electoral Commission of Fiji.

Their objective is to enhance the information environment throughout the electoral cycle, focusing on four key priority areas: engagement with Civil Society Organizations, effective communication, capacity development, and online safety awareness.

The group meets monthly, with a rotating chair, to review and plan initiatives aimed at combating misinformation and ensuring transparency in Fiji’s electoral processes.

This collaboration is part of a broader project funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by International IDEA, designed to strengthen the protection of electoral processes from information-related threats.

The project is structured in three phases: mapping the information environment, developing a strategic roadmap, and implementing that roadmap.

Following a series of workshops held in 2023 and 2024, the group has already held two meetings and is scheduled for its next gathering in mid-December 2024.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders and global best practices, this initiative serves as an example of how countries can work together to safeguard the democratic process from the damaging effects of disinformation.