Fiji
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution Section 51 and 52 Electoral Act 1998, Part 2
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 01:57:54 GMT
BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
b. The Boundaries Commission
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 8 (1) Constitution S.52(1)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:00:07 GMT
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
b. Respecting natural barriers
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Source: Constitution, Section 52
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:01:53 GMT
BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
c. Number of registered voters
Source: Constitution, Sections 51 and 52
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:03:49 GMT
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
c. Boundary Commission
Source: Constitution Section 52 (1) Electoral Act 1998, Section 5
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:05:06 GMT
BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
c. Changes in numbers of registered voters
f. Changes in distribution of registered voters
Comments: With regard to the changes in distribution of registered voters, it is mostly from population shifts from rural to urban areas.
Source: Constitution Section 53 (1)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:07:53 GMT
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution The Fiji Electoral Commission
b. Full Address Box 2528, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji Islands
c. Telephone 3211642,3211623
d. Facsimile 302436
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Ms Vasantika Patel
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:12:06 GMT
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Source: Constitution, Sections 78 and 79
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:13:41 GMT
EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
a. The President
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution, Section 78
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:14:57 GMT
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution Sections 47 and 49
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:16:17 GMT
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
b. The Prime Minister
Comments: Prime Minister's Office
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:20:30 GMT
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: 4 years
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:23:07 GMT
EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
d. Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment
Source: Constitution, Section 78(7)
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 07:30:15 GMT
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: $6,449,501.28USD
Comments: 6 449 501 USD (12 000 000 FJD). The account was not finalised at the time of sourcing the information
Source: kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Election, 15/07/2002
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:22:58 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: over 400,000
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:22:58 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter $16.12USD
b. Exchange rate used 0.5374
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2003
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 00:40:43 GMT
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The Great Council of Chiefs submit names to the Prime Minster who then chooses. The Head of State (President) must be a Fijian citizen. He/she serves a term of 5 years and is able to be reappointed for a second term of 5 years.
Source: Constitution Chapter 7 Executive Government, Sections 85 - 91
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 03:59:55 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
f. Other
Comments: The President appoints as Prime Minister a Member of the House of Representatives who in the Presidents opinion can form a government that has the confidence of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution Section 98
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:08:48 GMT
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) submits names to the Prime Minister who appoints.
Source: Fiji Constitution, Chapter 7, Executive Government Sections 85 - 91
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:14:14 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Comments: Chamber one is the House of Representatives. Popularly elected. Chamber two is the Senate. The Senate is appointed
Source: Constitution Sections 50, 64
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:18:45 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
b. Alternative Vote
Source: Constitution Section 51 (1)
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:20:20 GMT
ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
l. Other
Comments: The Senate consists of 32 members. 14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, 9 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 1 is appointed by the president on the advice of the Council of Rotuma.
Source: Constitution Part 3, Section 64
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:34:09 GMT
ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:35:01 GMT
ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: Constituency breakdown is: Open, Fijian, Indian and Rotuman.
Source: Constitution Section 52 Electoral Act 1998 Part 2, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:40:34 GMT
ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:38:51 GMT
ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
a. Yes
Comments: Fijian, Indians, Rotumans, Open seats.
Source: Constitution Section 51
Last updated: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 04:43:04 GMT
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
a. Nationality or ethnic groups - proportion of total seats (%) 65%
d. Other- proportion of total seats (%) 35%
Comments: 71 elected members. 46 are elected by voters registered on one of 4 rolls namely Fijians, Indians, Rotumans and a roll of voters who are registered otherwise than as Fijians, Indians or Rotumans ( a'general' roll) and 25 are elected by voters from all communities registered on an open electoral roll.
Source: Constitution Section 51
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 03:58:11 GMT
ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No
Comments: Senate consists of 32 members. 14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, 9 are are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 1 is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Rotuma.
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:04:23 GMT
ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
d. Other - proportion of total seats (%) 100%
Comments: Senate consists of 32 members. 14 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, 9 are are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 are appointed by the President on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and 1 is appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Rotuma. Note, these can in effect be seats for ethnic group representation.
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:11:45 GMT
ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:21:02 GMT
ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: appointed seats.
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:16:50 GMT
ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:
Comments: Absolute majority (50% + 1)
Source: Electoral Act 1998 Section 113(2)
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:19:50 GMT
ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable
Comments: appointed seats.
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:23:14 GMT
ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)
b. Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
c. On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: Election interval is 5 years. Elections are held on a Saturday. Election period is one week. Saturday - Saturday. Election date is at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Source: (a) Constitution Section 59 (b) Constitution Section 60
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:30:13 GMT
ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable
Comments: Appointed Seats
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:31:37 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
Source: Fiji Constitution 1988 (amended by Act No.5 1998) Electoral Act 1998
Last updated: 2006-11-17 12:58:17 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999
Source: Constitution 1988 (amended by Act No.5 1998) Electoral Act 1998
Last updated: 2006-11-17 12:58:17 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Constitution Electoral Act 1998
Last updated: 2006-11-17 12:58:17 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: The non-voter faces a fine sanction and possible abstention and has to provide a legitimate reason. Strict enforcement. Presumably strict prior to the coup d'état.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 88; International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-17 12:58:17 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: Local elections are held every 3 years. National elections are held every 5 years.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 17/07/2002
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:38:20 GMT
LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
c. Not applicable
Comments: President is appointed by the Prime Minister after consultation with the Bose Levu Vakaturaga.
Source: Constitution, Sections 85 and 90
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:44:11 GMT
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
Comments: High Court
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 142
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:48:53 GMT
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 142
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:51:48 GMT
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
c. Voters
Comments: Anybody seems to have this right. There is nothing in the Electoral Act or the Constitution to specify.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:59:53 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:45:45 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Commonwealth election observer group: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Shared_ASP_Files/UploadedFiles/CA16B913-2D20-4058-874A-52BBDE02BCD2_FijiGeneralElection2006-ReportoftheCommonwealthObserverGroup.pdf
Last updated: 2007-02-08 11:01:58 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: 200 signatures required. Note this is not in the Act or Constitution. The Electoral Commission is empowered to regulations relating to the registration of political parties. Electoral Act S.164(2)(a)
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002. Electoral Act 1998, Section 164(2)(a)
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Appointed positions.
Source: Constitution, Section 64
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 05:23:02 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Comments: Age requirement is 21
Source: Constitution, Section 58 Electoral Act 1998, Section 48
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: Senate positions are by appointment
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 05:27:37 GMT
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
Comments: Can only be reappointed once. "Candidates for the office of President and Vice President must be citizens who have had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sectors and must have the qualifications required of candidates for election to the House of Representatives." Constitution, S.89
Source: Constitution, Section 89
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
e. Offences against electoral law
h. Bankruptcy or Insolvency
k. Mental health problems
o. Other
Comments: a. More than 12 months. e. Not being registered on the electoral roll.
Source: Constitution, Section 58 Electoral Act 1998, Sections 48 and 49
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
p. Other
Comments: It is more a case of qualification rather than disqualification as the text from S.89 of the Con. states: "Candidates for the office of President and Vice President must be citizens who have had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sectors and must have the qualifications required of candidates for election to the House of Representatives." Constitution, S.89
Source: Constitution Section 89
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 05:49:25 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: The electoral law is written in such a way as to allow cnadidates to nominate as independents or be affiliated with political parties. No specific reference is given in relation to nomination of independents or party affiliates.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Division 2 - Nominations.
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 05:58:40 GMT
PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
d. Other
Comments: a. Signature requirement is 250 or 5% of the number of valid ballot papers counted in the last preceding election; b. Deposit is $500.00FJD; and d. Registered elector, completion of nomination form, attendance at the place of nomination.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Division 2 - Nominations.
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable
Comments: Positions are appointed.
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:05:24 GMT
PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
d. Other
e. Not Applicable
Comments: Candidates are appointed but must have the following qualifications: "Candidates for the office of President and Vice President must be citizens who have had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sectors and must have the qualifications required of candidates for election to the House of Representatives." Constitution, S.89
Source: Constitution Sections 89 and 90
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:11:33 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:12:59 GMT
PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
d. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:13:48 GMT
PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:14:29 GMT
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding of political parties.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-15 12:38:48 UTC
PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
e. Not Applicable
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:17:12 GMT
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:18:49 GMT
PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: Note there are no Regulations to cover this.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:21:03 GMT
PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:22:05 GMT
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
e. Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote)
g. Different ballots used in different constituencies
n. Random listing (lottery)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: a.) Single ballot paper with above the line section for choice of party list, and below the line section for choice of individual candidates. e.) Preferential vote: Voters mark party list above the line or at least 75% of the candidates below the line.
Source: Electoral Act 1998 Division 3 - Preparation for Poll Sections 57, 58, 59, Schedule Part 1 and Part 2. Pacific Election Administration Compared: Andrew Ellis (International IDEA)and Alistair Legge (PIANZEA), 2005.
Last updated: 2005-08-12 14:08:18 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Comments: Appointed positions
Source: Constitution Section 64
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:27:26 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
s. Not Applicable
Comments: Appointed position
Source: Constitution, Section 90
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:28:50 GMT
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002 Instructions to Counting Officials, p3
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:31:36 GMT
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
n. Transfer ballots from party/candidate with least support to second preference
o. Data fed into computer for calculation
r. Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
t. Other
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 113 Instructions To Counting Officials 1999
Last updated: Thu, 03 Jul 2003 02:06:11 GMT
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
e. National level
Comments: To the National Election Office.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Thu, 03 Jul 2003 02:16:01 GMT
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Seats are allocated on a constituency level
Source: Constitution Section 50
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 01:41:06 GMT
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
c. By fax
Comments: After transmission by fax they are then physically transported to the National Elections Office.
Source: Instructions To Counting Oficials, House of Representatives General Election 1999, p, 18
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 01:43:26 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
d. By request
e. Court order
Comments: Ballots are recounted if 2 or more candidates have an equal number of votes.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section113(6)
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 01:54:13 GMT
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
a. Closeness of results
Comments: If 2 or more candidates have an equal number of votes.
Source: Electoral Act 1998 Section 113(6)
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 01:55:26 GMT
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate
c. Election officials
f. Other
Comments: Note: The Act does not specify who can make the request only that recounts have to take place if 2 or more candidates have an equal number of votes. f. Other: Returning Officer
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2003 Electoral Act 1998 Section 113(6)
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 02:01:37 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
b. Regional Election Management body
Comments: Same team as conducted first count.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/03
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 04:58:25 GMT
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
b. No
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 04:59:38 GMT
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
d. Not applicable preliminary results are not announced
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2003
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 05:01:55 GMT
VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes
Comments: As soon as practicable after it has been ascertained that a candidate has been elected in any constituency, the returning officer must publicly declare the name of the candidate.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 119
Last updated: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 05:17:48 GMT
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: EMB: Supervisor of Elections, not the actual Election Commission which is a policy body. A public awareness unit was established in the Elections Office headed by the Principle Electoral Officer and supported by 5 staff.
Source: Constitution, Section 57 Recent Election Experience in the Fiji Islands, Walter G Rigamoto, p16, paper presented the 2002 PIANZEA Workshop
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:25:25 GMT
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:58:49 GMT
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
a. No
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:59:53 GMT
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
c. Simulation exercises
Comments: Media: Radio - all people have them. TV, press Face to face meetings in the villages (field teams) Simulation excercises - womens groups (NGO) used this method at the 1999 election.
Source: Kameli Kotoc, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:04:58 GMT
VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
i. Not applicable
Comments: No formal civic education activities take place in Fiji
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:07:18 GMT
VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
b. Young people/ first time voters
Comments: For both registration and awareness of the electoral system.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:09:12 GMT
Voting Operations
VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. 91-100%
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:28:06 GMT
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Comments: Compiled and used in 2001. Also PIANZEA Code of Conduct July 2002.
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:30:24 GMT
VO03 Where can electors vote?
b. At any polling station in the same voting district
f. By mail
i. By tendered ballot
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Sections,71, 76, 90(1)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:33:39 GMT
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
e. Students
f. Diplomatic staff
Comments: Via Postal Voting provisions
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Sections 90(2)(a), 101
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:42:07 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
e. By mail
Source: Electoral Act, Section 90(2)(a) Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:45:58 GMT
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Comments: postal voting provisions
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 90
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:49:17 GMT
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
b. By mail
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 90
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:51:25 GMT
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
b. Disabled persons
c. People in remote areas
d. People in hospitals
e. People in prison
f. Other
Comments: Also if you are going overseas (proof must be shown).
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 90
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:53:21 GMT
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:54:37 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No no
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 06:56:35 GMT
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 73
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:01:52 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 8 - 10
b. The largest polling station: 20
Source: Kameli Koto, Deputy Supervisor of Elections, 15/07/2002
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 07:04:03 GMT
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
f. 21
Source: Constitution Section 55(1)(a) Electoral Act1998 Section, 11(6)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 02:33:01 GMT
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: Lived in Fiji 24 months immediately preceeding an election.
Source: Constitution, Section 55
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:25:27 GMT
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability
Comments: With regard to criminal incarceration - more than 12 months. Metal disability refers to persons of "unsound mind".
Source: Constituion, Section 55 (8)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:28:03 GMT
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Fiji Election Commission and the Supervisor of Elections
Source: Constitution Section 55(10)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:33:02 GMT
VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
b. Voters register
Source: Constitution, Section 51
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:34:25 GMT
VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously
Comments: The register is closed 7 days prior to election.
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 11 (7)
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:37:23 GMT
VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
e. Appearance by voter at registration office
f. Door-to-door registration campaign
Source: Electoral Act 1998, Section 12
Last updated: Tue, 01 Jul 2003 03:39:13 GMT
20/05/2008 07:19
