53 villages and informal settlements to also take part in local government elections

More Fijians, including those living in 53 villages and informal settlements within the municipal boundaries, will be part of the next local government elections in September, and they are also expected to pay the municipal service fees.

Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says many Fijians may not fully understand how much municipal councils influence their daily lives, from rubbish collection and drainage to town planning, public parks and beautification projects.

Mataiciwa says residents should care about who sits on their town and city councils because the councillors represent the voice of the community and are responsible for taking neighbourhood concerns and priorities into council meetings.

She says the councillors also help develop and approve policies and by-laws that guide how municipal services are delivered, while overseeing services that directly affect communities.

Mataiciwa highlights that many people often take these services for granted until problems become visible — whether it is poor drainage, uncollected rubbish, neglected parks or the declining appearance of towns and cities.

She says the councils provide the avenue for residents to raise concerns and push for improvements in their communities.

Mataiciwa also encourages Fijians to read the Local Government Elections Civic Education Handbook, published by the Ministry of Local Government and distributed through municipal councils, saying it explains why people should vote and how the local government directly affects them.

She adds that the return of elected councillors is expected to bring greater accountability, as those elected will have to earn public confidence and prove themselves if they want to be re-elected.

Insert:Municipal Boundaries 3rd May 26 PT

While villages will not pay municipal rates, Mataiciwa says they will be required to pay municipal service fees to contribute towards services provided in those areas.

She also highlights that 2026 is expected to be a major electoral year for Fiji, with multiple electoral events planned, including local government elections and the general election period opening from August.