FEO News

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has released the findings of its 2024 Voter Perception Survey (VPS), offering a comprehensive look into the attitudes, motivations, and experiences of voters across Fiji and abroad. With over 14,000 responses collected from all four divisions, 21 electoral areas, and Fijians living overseas, the survey provides critical insights that will shape the FEO’s future voter engagement strategies. 

Understanding What Drives Voter Participation

One of the most significant findings of the survey is the strong link between civic duty and voter turnout. Respondents who cited civic responsibility as their reason for registering were far more likely to vote—boosting their likelihood from 59% to 76%. This underscores the importance of civic education in fostering a culture of democratic participation. 

Accessibility of Electoral Services

While 67.05% of respondents rated FEO services as “very accessible,” the survey revealed regional disparities. The Western Division reported higher satisfaction, while the Northern Division, overseas voters, and residents in remote areas such as Savusavu, Nabouwalu, and Seaqaqa expressed lower satisfaction. Key challenges included transportation and physical access to polling stations, particularly for elderly and rural voters. 

Where Voters Get Their Information

Television (70.5%) and radio (70.1%) remain the most trusted sources of electoral information, followed by social media (30.4%) and print media (23.9%). However, regional differences emerged—remote communities and overseas Fijians rely more heavily on digital platforms, while print media remains vital in areas with limited internet access. Community leaders, especially turaga ni koro, play a crucial role in disseminating pre-polling information. 

What Influences Voter Registration

Civic duty (63.8%) and the need for an identity card (62.5%) were the top reasons for registering to vote. Family influence (43.3%) was the most common motivator, followed by self-motivation (32.0%), friends (31.5%), and information from the FEO (30.5%). 

Public Confidence in the Electoral Process

Over half of the respondents (55.15%) expressed strong confidence in the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process, and 50.49% strongly agreed that the FEO conducts elections in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner. Confidence levels were highest in the Western Division and lowest in areas such as Korovou, Savusavu, Seaqaqa, Taveuni, and Nabouwalu. 

Recommendations for the Future

Based on the findings, the FEO has outlined several key recommendations:

• Enhance civic education with a focus on civic duty.
• Improve accessibility in rural, remote, and overseas communities.
• Tailor communication strategies to regional media preferences.
• Strengthen community partnerships to improve information sharing.
• Build public trust through transparency and responsiveness. 

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The 2024 VPS reflects the FEO’s commitment to listening to voters and using data to drive meaningful improvements. These insights will guide future initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic participation and ensuring that every Fijian has the opportunity to engage fully in the electoral process. 

 For more information, visit www.feo.org.fj.

Download the report here

Download the report Two-Pager version here