The Fijian Elections Office will be able to strengthen its ability to deliver election services across the country, particularly in rural and maritime areas, following the donation of four new vehicles by the Government of India.
During the handover ceremony, Electoral Commission Chair Justice Usaia Ratuvili emphasised that reliable transport is essential to the work of the Fijian Elections Office, as teams travel to cities, towns, villages, settlements and maritime islands to provide voter services, voter information, awareness programmes and stakeholder engagement.
Justice Ratuvili says reliable transport is not simply an operational necessity, but is fundamental to ensuring that electoral services reach people regardless of where they live.
He says the donation is a continuation of India's longstanding support for Fiji's electoral process.
INSERT: Justice Ratuvili on support 7th Aug
Justice Ratuvili says the additional vehicles will allow the Fijian Elections Office to expand its outreach.
He says they have not been struggling as such, but have not been able to reach as wide an area as they wanted to.
He says the vehicles will be deployed wherever they are needed across the country, including the Central, Eastern, Western and Northern divisions.
Justice Ratuvili says the vehicles will support voter awareness teams and, during elections, will be used to transport ballot boxes and other election equipment.
He also confirms that Fiji has again requested indelible ink from India, which has consistently supplied the ink used during Fiji's elections.
He assured the Government of India that the vehicles would be managed responsibly, utilised efficiently, and support the conduct of credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
Justice Ratuvili says every contribution that strengthens Fiji's electoral institutions also strengthens public confidence in the country's democratic processes.
He also thanked the Government of India for its continued partnership and support.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta described the vehicle handover as another milestone in the longstanding relationship between India and Fiji.
Mehta says India has consistently supported Fiji's electoral process through donations of vehicles, indelible ink and election management training.
He says India, as the world's largest democracy, is keen to share its experience in election logistics, voter awareness and election management with Fiji.
He highlighted that more than 960 million voters participated in India's 2024 general election, adding that officials from the Fijian Elections Office have attended workshops and conferences in India to learn best practices.
INSERT: Mehta on workshop 7th Aug
He adds that India will continue supporting Fiji's electoral institutions as part of the close partnership between the two countries.
