Members of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and New Zealand Electoral Commission (NZEC) travelled to Fiji last week to attend a Technical Advisers Workshop facilitated by the Fijian Elections Office (FEO).
The New Zealand High Commission in Suva said that the advisers “did not form part of any Multinational Observers Group”.
“The New Zealand High Commission has a long-standing relationship with the FEO (since 2013) and has been working with the FEO delivering regular capacity building as it finalises plans for Fiji’s 2022 General Election,” the statement read.
“As part of the program, the delegation toured the FEO warehouse, Command Centre where votes will be counted, polling venues in the Central Division and a simulated polling station.
“Both the NZEC and AEC officers will return to Fiji to support the FEO team during the election period.”
The Australian High Commission in Suva said the workshop allowed the AEC and NZEC staff members to familiarise themselves with Fiji’s electoral system.
The AEC delegation consisted of Anna Hill and Tristan Barnes – who were both divisional returning officers/divisional office managers for the AEC, and Jen Clancy, assistant director, Community and International Engagement, who manages AEC’s electoral work in Fiji.
