Tui Tavuki Urge Villagers to Vote
As the country prepares for pre-polling today, voters in Kadavu Province are ready to take part in the 2022 General Election.
Statistics reveal that in the 2014 and 2018 elections, FijiFirst leader Voreqe Bainimarama and Sitiveni Rabuka dominated the polls at Kadavu.
When the Fiji Sun visited the Turaga Tui Tavuki, Ratu Penioni Nacagilevu, he had one message for the people of Kadavu – to exercise their right to vote.
Ratu Penioni is the successor of the late Tui Tavuki, Ratu Jone Duikete.
“For all political parties coming here to do their sevusevu, I welcome them,” Ratu Penioni said.
“I have always advised all political parties gracing our traditional grounds, they won’t be stopped, nor would they be hindered from doing their campaign because the choice is up to the individual.”
Ratu Penioni added that voters should be rational.
“People of Kadavu, would know who they intend to vote for,” he said.
“Before, Kadavu used to vote for only one party; this decision was from the late chiefs. There was only one favoured political party, which resulted in all of Kadavu voting for one party.
“We have come to a stage where this practice is no more. Rights and freedom of choice is now encouraged.”
According to Ratu Penioni there are about 75 villages, with an estimated population of 8000 people on Kadavu Island.
“My words of encouragement to the people of Kadavu is that they should exercise their right to vote; they can’t have ill feelings toward the outcome of the election if they don’t vote,” Ratu Penioni said.
“Here in Kadavu, about 1000 people did not cast their votes in previous elections, which brings us back of the importance of voting.”