Since the establishment of the MOG, observers have witnessed a number of key electoral activities, including the national candidates list ball draw, the commencement of ballot production, and the printing, transportation and storage of postal ballots.
The MOG has also observed refresher training courses for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, reviewed the communications material produced by the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) and received comprehensive briefings from the FEO on electoral processes and preparations, including on their financial, logistical and technical aspects. Particular care has been taken in following the state of the National Voter Register and the development of voter lists for the specific polling stations.
The MOG has also continued meeting with government and election officials, political parties, media, police, regional organisations, NGOs, civil society organisations, including religious groups and human rights groups, as well as representatives from the general public in Fiji.
On 20 and 21 November, observers from the MOG were deployed to accompany non-sensitive election materials to the Lau Islands ahead of pre-polling. On 18 and 19 November, a team from the MOG Secretariat undertook a preparedness and logistics mission through the highlands and inland roads of Viti Levu.
The MOG Secretariat continues to support the accreditation process for observers from those countries and international organisations the Government of Fiji has invited to participate. Preparations continue to deploy those observers across the country, including to a selection of the most remote islands and villages, to observe and evaluate pre-polling and polling day operations and events.
The MOG welcomes observations from all stakeholders and values the information it collects about their experience. Please contact the MOG Secretariat to arrange a meeting at info@mog.org.fj.