The Election Office is working on arrangements for the implementation of ‘electronic voter registration’ in time for the 2014 General Elections.
Attorney General and Minister for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum explained that his ministry is exploring ways to facilitate this emerging form of registration.
“The work plan for the establishment of a system of electronic voter registration will be sent to overseas missions and multilateral organizations in Fiji for their assistance in implementing the work plan” he said.
While the ‘electronic voter’ registration will reduce costs through an established centralized voter database, it will improve sustainability for both national and municipality elections. This registration uniquely identifies every individual voter based on their bio-data and unique finger print.
Using birth certificates or passports as the primary identifier or requirement for registration the voting system is designed to speed up the process and help eliminate cheating for voter impersonation.
The Attorney General explained the enormity of the task involved for this registration.
‘The new electronic voter registration system will require conducting a nationwide registration exercise inclusive of fingerprints, and photographs of all citizens who are now fifteen (15) years old and above’ said the Attorney General.
“In preparation for the 2014 elections, there also needs to be certain changes and modernisation to the current staffing structure to ensure better use of resources. It is vital we have the right people in the right positions within the Elections Office. In the coming months positions will be advertised to strengthen these resources”.
Electronic voting is fast becoming a preferred method of voter registration in many countries and is successful in accelerating voting processes.
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