Students conduct mock poll exercise

THE Fijian Elections Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched its first School Election Toolkit (SET) pilot program.

The program was launched by acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa at Rishkul Sanatan College in Nasinu.

Recipient schools for the pilot program are Rishkul Sanatan College and Bau Central College outside Nausori.

Ms Mataiciwa said the initiative allowed students to have firsthand experience in the electoral process and practise the democratic principles of electing their student body leaders at a young age.

“This is basically bringing back civic pride for our students,” said Ms Mataiciwa.

“Also to enhance their understanding of the election process before they enter into the general elections.”

Ms Mataiciwa told The Fiji Times that findings from a review conducted after the 2022 General Election led to the introduction of the SET program through their 2024–2027 strategic plan.

She said the concept came about as a result of the low youth turnout at the general election.

She said fear and intimidation associated with elections were other factors that led to the initiative.

Ms Mataiciwa said they would extend the SET program to schools nationwide next year after the review of this year’s piloting program.

Workshop training was conducted for teachers from the pilot schools by the FEO’s training department on how to conduct the election and counting process.

Senior education officer Saleshni Prasad said a policy would be developed in which all schools would use a consistent process for electing school prefects.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Acting Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa, sitting fourth from left, with school management and students of Rishikul Sanatan College during the launch of the school election toolkit pilot program yesterday.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Sereani Vueti of Bau Central College puts her ballot paper in the ballot box as polling agent Lesi Maraiwai looks on during the launch of the school election toolkit pilot program at their school in Mokani, Bau, Tailevu yesterday.