BRIDGE Voter and Civic Education Workshop for Fijian Elections Office Staff

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) in its preparations towards the upcoming general election convened a three-day BRIDGE workshop on voter and civic education module.

Thirty-one participants (fifteen females and sixteen males) engaged in in-depth discussions on voter and civic engagement, focusing on what is best for Fiji and how the FEO can enhance public engagement. The workshop encouraged meaningful dialogue on strengthening voter awareness strategies, with participants sharing insights on effective outreach methods. Both verbal and written evaluations were very positive, with many acknowledging a deeper understanding of voter awareness concepts and a renewed commitment to improving engagement opportunities across Fiji.

The workshop was opened by the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, who in her opening remarks mentioned that democracy is built on knowledge, participation, and trust. The mission is to ensure that every Fijian has access to accurate, timely and inclusive electoral information.

The three-day BRIDGE event was a breakthrough platform as participants were able to understand the terminologies of voter and civic education and voter information. They recognised their responsibilities to expand voter education programs to move beyond voter information and taking a holistic approach when dealing with voter and civic education.

The sessions were very informative, allowing them to digest and provide thoughts around skills, knowledge and attitudes required for thorough awareness programs targeting different groups in society. More focused was on young voters and youths who had low turnout in the last general election.

Over the three days, discussions also focused on the challenges and barriers to participating in elections, with participants identifying strategic solutions tailored to the local context. The session emphasised the importance of well-timed, targeted, and strategic outreach initiatives, particularly for underrepresented voter groups. Emphasis was also on gender related programs and inclusion perspectives underlining the need for diverse strategies to ensure inclusive outreach and education programs.

The group work presentations proved to be very positive, showcasing the diverse skills, creative ideas, and expertise within the FEO team that could enhance future outreach programs. The plenary session highlighted special talents, including poetic expression, songwriting, radio influencing, and advocacy for inclusion, demonstrating a strong understanding of key concepts and techniques to engage different voter and civic education audiences effectively. Participants further developed their understanding of strategic, goal-driven planning, highlighting the need for comprehensive, long-term approaches to civic education that extend beyond a single resource.

The facilitation team were tremendous, tailoring the workshop to effectively meet the needs of the FEO and strategies for engaging and inspiring Fijians to access and participate in democratic processes. The workshop concluded on a high note, with participants celebrating their achievements by presenting certificates to one another.