The number of voters registered for the 2014 election has soared past 528,000, with four days to go in the latest phase of Electronic Voter Registration.
The Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said the Government was delighted by the high turnout, which was averaging around one thousand a day.
“Fijians continue to respond eagerly to the opportunity to register, which clearly demonstrates how enthusiastic they are to take part in the elections next year”, he said. 22,295 people have registered since the current phase began on June the 3rd.
The Minister urged those Fijians who are yet to register to take advantage of the remaining four days of the current EVR phase. “Our registration teams are at work right up until the end of Saturday so there is still ample time to sign up. This includes roving mobile teams in many rural areas plus fixed locations in cities and towns”, he said.
The Minister said those Fijians who were immobile or facing genuine difficulty in reaching their nearest registration centre could also arrange to have a team visit them at home. “Those wanting to avail themselves of this service can call our toll free number, 0800 3316000, and someone will come to them”, he said.
The Minister also reminded Fijians who have already registered to check their entries and have them corrected if necessary. “We are seeing up to a 100 people a day coming in and finding mistakes in the details of their original registration. This can be easily corrected so I urge voters to make the necessary checks”, he added.
After the present phase of registration ends on Saturday, the Government will be concentrating its efforts on registering Fijians living overseas. Details of this will be announced soon.
(The precise total registered so far is 528,136 as of yesterday, June 24th. Details of where to register are in the Fiji Sun or the elections website -www.electionsfiji.gov.fj - or on the Elections Office Facebook page.)
-ENDS