Fiji's program of overseas voter registration in the lead up to the 2014 parliamentary elections will begin in New Zealand, from October 23rd until October 31st.
From there, overseas registration will move to Australia soon after, followed by other international locations in early 2014.
"Overseas voter registration is an important part of preparations for the 2014 elections and comes after registering close to 540,000 Fijians at home, approximately 85% of eligible voters," said Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
"We have already received an overwhelming response to our call for expressions of interest in registering to vote from Fijians living abroad and we look forward to beginning this process," he said.
The Acting Permanent Secretary Responsible for Elections, Mohammed Saneem, reminded all Fijians living abroad that a valid Fijian passport will be required in order to register as an overseas voter.
"If your Fijian passport has expired, you should make the necessary arrangements for its renewal as soon as possible," he said.
Mr. Saneem also explained that the Electronic Voter Registration (EVR) system requires individuals to register in person so that they can give their thumbprint and have their photograph taken.
"For the first leg of overseas registration in New Zealand, registration teams will be deployed to Wellington and Auckland. Details on the specific locations and opening hours will be available soon on the elections office website (www.electionsfiji.gov.fj), in the local NZ media, and through Fiji's High Commission in NZ," he said.
