Increased awareness on the electoral system and the importance of elections is needed, especially in rural areas.
This was the view expressed by Vunivutu Village headwoman Ranadi Raluna.
She made the comment to the parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights at a consultation in Wavuwavu, Macuata.
Ms Raluna said the Fijian Elections Office was not carrying out enough awareness for people to understand the importance of voting or how the electoral system worked.
She said as a presiding officer for the past two elections, one of the challenges experienced was assisting the elderly and sick people to vote.
“These sick and elderly people cannot travel to the voting venues, so we need to make arrangements for transport to visit the elderly and have them vote,” Ms Raluna said.
“It is very important for our new voters to also understand their roles as voters and the purpose of voting as they will be voters next year.”
Committee chairman Alvick Maharaj assured Ms Raluna her issues would be made known to the Fijian Elections Office.
He said the elderly and sick voters who could not travel to polling venues could also opt for postal voting.
