SOME religious organisations have told government they may not participate in the electronic voter registration (EVR) that starts today.
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said the organisations had refused to register because of their religious beliefs.
Cdr Cawaki said those religious bodies had been informed the government wanted everybody to register so they could have a say on who should govern the country.
However, Attorney-General and Minister for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum emphasised yesterday that registration and voting was not compulsory.
"We have said it already that voting and registration is not compulsory," he said.
Cdr Cawaki said all Fijians above 18 years would be approached and encouraged to register during the six-week voter registration exercise.
He said the issue concerning the religious groups was discussed in meetings with district officers, provincial administrators and special administrators.
"We will be working on the voting numbers provided by the Bureau of Statistics and we will try and capture as many as we can during and after the registration period," Cdr Cawaki said.
He urged members of the public to support government's plans to hold the 2014 elections giving people the liberty to have a voice through voting and registration.
A statement released by the Elections Office yesterday states that Fiji's period of electronic voter registration (EVR) begins today in major centres.
It stated that Fijians living in and around the cities of Suva, Samabula, Lautoka, Nausori, Levuka, Labasa, and Taveuni would be able to register themselves at designated voter registration centres (VRCs).
"For those Fijians residing outside of these areas, a VRC is scheduled to open in the Lami area at the end of the week, followed by the opening of additional VRCs beginning on Monday the 9th of July. More than 1000 VRCs will be opened at various times across the country, including the maritime communities, during the eight week registration period.
"Fijians will be asked to furnish one form of valid identification, which include birth certificate, driver's licence, passport, FNPF card or employment card with photograph."