Gonekalou First to Cast Vote at Pre-Poll
Viliame Gonekalou was the first to cast his vote during the launch of pre-polling of the 2018 General Election yesterday at Nalidi Village.
Nalidi is located in the district of Nakorotubu on the border of Ra and Tailevu. There are about 40 houses in the village.
The 25-year-old was jubilant as he described the moments building up to the time he cast his vote.
“I woke up early at around 4am so that I can be ready to cast my vote and I am thankful that the pre-poll venue is located in my village,” Mr Gonekalou said.
“I didn’t want to be late because my vote will determine the future of our country. One vote makes a difference and that definitely counts.”
Mr Gonekalou said he had not expected to be the first voter.
“I have been sitting at the tent from 6 am today and wasn’t expecting to be the first to vote,” he said.
“In 2014 not a lot of people cast
I woke up early at around 4am so that I can be ready to cast my vote and I am thankful that the pre-poll venue is located in my village Viliame Gonekalou Nalidi villager
their votes in my village because people didn’t take it seriously.
“I believe now the villagers are more informed and they have come in numbers to cast their vote.”
In 2014, only 44 voters voted during the pre-poll at Nalidi Village. This year 188 voters were expected to cast their votes yesterday.