Changes to electoral laws will allow political parties and candidates to arrange free transport to polling venues and provide meals and sheds for voters during the upcoming general elections.
However, voters must make their own decisions on who they want to vote for.
This was highlighted by the Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, who says Fijians can expect to see sheds erected by political parties or independent candidates outside the 100-metres restricted area.
Mataiciwa stresses that at the end of the day, voters right to vote freely and in secret must be respected and they should not be pressured or forced to vote for any particular candidate because of the assistance they receive.
Insert: no one should force them 26th Oct
When questioned about measures to prevent political parties or candidates from pressuring voters, she says arrangements have been made with the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
She says presiding officers will also be in charge inside polling stations, while measures will also be in place to ensure compliance within the 100-metres restricted area.
The Supervisor is encouraging members of the public to report any incidents where voters are being pressured or forced to support a particular candidate.
She says complaints can be lodged through the Fijian Elections Office's complaints mechanism, while immediate concerns raised during polling hours can be addressed to prevent other voters from facing similar situations.
Mataiciwa adds that polling stations will open at 7.30am and close at 6pm.
She says formal complaints will be referred to the relevant authorities, including the Fiji Police Force and FICAC.
Mataiciwa says an Election Security Advisory Group has also been established to ensure complaints received before and during the elections are dealt with through the appropriate processes, which could include prosecution.
