Municipal elections are set to return to Fiji after more than two decades, giving people across the country a renewed opportunity to choose who represents them at the local level.
Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa highlighted the significance of the long-awaited return of these elections.
Insert: Municipal elections 22nd April 26
She says the last municipal elections were held in 2005, and for many Fijians—especially younger voters—this will be their first opportunity to vote for councillors in their towns and cities.
She adds that this time, the elections will cover 13 municipalities, 40 wards, and a total of 141 councillor positions across the country.
Mataiciwa says this is a major national exercise, but more importantly, it brings leadership and decision-making closer to the people.
She says this means each ward will have its own set of candidates, and importantly, its own unique ballot paper.
In simple terms, what a voter sees on their ballot will depend on the ward they belong to.
Mataiciwa adds that this highlights the level of detailed planning required, as election officials must ensure the correct ballot papers are prepared and distributed to the right locations.
She also reminds voters that for these elections, people will only vote within their designated ward, which is based on where they live within a municipality.
She explains that councillors play a key role in everyday community life, overseeing essential services such as waste collection, drainage, public parks, and urban planning.
She adds that they also act as the voice of the people, raising concerns from neighbourhoods and helping shape how municipalities operate.
In simple terms, she says this is about giving residents a direct say in what happens in their communities—from improving infrastructure to ensuring cleaner and safer public spaces.
She adds that the municipal elections are expected to be held on a Saturday in September this year, with preparations already underway to ensure voters are informed and ready to participate.
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