Confusion over polling venues

CONFUSION over polling venues and a lack of clear information are being blamed for low voter turnout in Rotuma.

Islanders have claimed they were sent to vote in unfamiliar districts during the last election.

Vamarasi Atalifo, a resident of Hapmak Village in the Itu’ti’u district, said many voters were not properly informed about where they were supposed to cast their ballots.

“People weren’t well informed where to go,” Mr Atalifo said.

“Out of the thousand-plus registered voters here in Rotuma, only 600 something voted.

“The rest didn’t. We were registered to our districts, but when we went to the polling station, they told us to go to a totally different district.”

The issue was raised during a public consultation with the Electoral Law Reform Commission, where residents expressed frustration over the handling of elections in remote communities.

Responding to the concern, Fiji Elections Office manager legal Mesake Dawai said voters were advised to check the details printed on their voter cards, which indicated their assigned polling venues.

“We usually go around and come back to raise awareness and tell people, ‘look at your card’. We have your venue there,” Mr Dawai said.

“Because you’re only assigned one day. You can’t go and vote again like previously.”

He explained that polling station schedules varied depending on the number of registered voters at each location and encouraged voters to update their information in advance.

“Two weeks ago, we had an official come around and allow voters to confirm their details. All voters could check. That’s what we are going to do now,” Mr Dawai added.

The FEO acknowledged the issue and indicated that steps were being taken to improve voter awareness.