2022 General Election: Pastor casts first ballot

SENIOR pastor Usaia Seniu is encouraging the people of Naitasiri to vote and to do so wisely.

He was the first person to cast his ballot on Tuesday at Nabukaluka, Naitasiri.

The 64-year-old senior pastor of the All Nations Church was all smiles as he exited the pre-polling venue.

“I woke up at 4am to get ready to for an important day for our country,” he said.

Mr Seniu said he had been voting since the late Ratu Kamisese Mara was Prime Minister in the 1970s.

“I was standing outside the voting venue before it opened because I know how important it is that I cast my vote.

“I told the others to come today and vote as well.” He said he did not have any problems voting and thanked the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) officials for guiding him during the voting process.

He encouraged all voters to make use of their one vote because it could determine what kind of future they would have.

“You can make a change with your vote. Don’t waste it.”

Village headman Kiniviliame Vakacegu said he reminded everyone in the village to exercise their right to vote.

“There are more than 300 people here who are registered to vote so I announced for people to come and vote for who they want to lead the country for the next four years,” the 66-year-old said.

His message to the voters of the country was to not waste the opportunity to vote and have their say.

“This is your only opportunity to have your say especially to the first-time voters.”