Multinational Observer Group says this was a credible election

The Multinational Observer Group which observed the electoral process said in their view, the outcome of the 2014 Fijian Election is on track to broadly represent the will of the Fijian voters and the conditions were in place for Fijians to exercise their right to vote freely.

In a preliminary statement by the Observer Group, it said that this was a credible election. 

The Observer Group said while counting is ongoing and the results are yet to be finalised, its assessment is that the outcome is on track to broadly represent the will of the Fijian voters.

The group congratulates the people of Fiji on taking this important step in their return to democracy.

It said that the 2014 Fijian Election, the first election since 2006, was enthusiastically embraced by the voters of Fiji who were keen to participate in the democratic process. 

The group said the election was conducted in an atmosphere of calm, with an absence of electoral misconduct or evident intimidation. 

The Multi-National Observer Group said the Fijian Elections Office and election workers were competent, professional and committed in performing their duties, sometimes under challenging circumstances. 

It said despite compressed timeframes, a complex voting system and some restrictions in the electoral environment, the conditions were in place for Fijians to exercise their right to vote freely. 

The restrictions were not specified.

The Multinational Observer Group (MOG), co‑led by Australia, Indonesia and India, was invited by the Fijian Government to observe the 2014 Fijian Election.

Working in‑country since 18th August, the observers met with government, election officials, political parties and candidates, media, civil society and faith‑based organisations, community leaders, disciplined forces and voters. 

From 3rd to 13th September, the MOG observed pre‑polling in village communities, remote islands and at military bases.

On Election Day, 92 observers from 13 countries, the European Union and Melanesian Spearhead Group went to 455 polling stations and observed polling and counting across Fiji.

The group then said that the media in Fiji made good efforts to cover the election and political parties were, to varying degrees, able to communicate their messages to the public. 

However the Multi-National Observer Group said the restrictive media framework, limited the media’s ability to examine rigorously the claims of candidates and parties.

We have questioned the Observer Group, asking them to give specific incidents or cases.

We are yet to get a response as they say this is a preliminary statement.

The group also said that despite a new, unfamiliar and complex voting system, the Fijian Elections Office administered the elections effectively. 

Police played an important role and also built confidence.  Polling officials were well‑prepared and voting procedures were generally followed correctly. 

It noted that the Elections Office and the Electoral Commission ran an extensive voter information campaign which appeared to reach most voters. 

The counting process appeared well organised and thorough, both at polling stations and at the National Counting and Results Centre.

The Multi-National Observer Group has stated that it has not observed any significant irregularities in the counting process. 

The MOG did, however, observe some problems, particularly in voter registration, pre‑polling and postal voting, which stemmed at least in part from the short preparation time.