Election officials begin training

TThis was stated by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Suresh Chandra, during the Election Officials Training, opening ceremony at the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) in Suva yesterday.

The Electoral Commission has chosen the theme ‘Raising the Standards in the Delivery of Elections in Fiji’ for the next General Election.

Mr Chandra said FEO have completed recruitment in some parts of the country and is still continuing with the recruitment drive in other parts, but based on the plans that the Fijian Elections Office had, people, who attend the recruitment drive on the first week have been processed and are now at the stage of training.

“We commence the training of Election Officials and a few reminders to all persons who may be interested to work in the 2018 General Elections: To work in the 2018 General Election, we need people with the highest level of integrity, who can come and carry out the responsibilities of the Election Officials without fear or favour and in a very apolitical manner. “Election Officials must remain honest at all times and ensure that all the procedures prescribed by the Fijian Elections Office and the Electoral Commission are followed.

“The Election Officials determine the credibility of each election and it is very important that when you are handling the task of Election Officials, you must do so as per the procedures that have been prescribed for these positions,” Mr Chandra said.

He said being an Election Official does not only mean, that you are looking forward to the salary at the end of the day.

“This is a great service to the country and when one is called upon to serve their country, they must do so with utmost faith and honesty.

“It is important that you ensure you carry out your roles diligently and in a manner that is not only done - but is seen by the members of the public to have been done right,” Mr Chandra said.