General Election, 14 November 2018

Flooding 10-14 November 2018

Between 10 to 14 November 2018, Fiji saw prolonged heavy rainfall affecting the Central Division. The highest recorded levels of rain in the division were between 116 and 203mm on 11 November 2018 (Fiji Meteorological Service, 2019). 

Impact on the electoral process

On 14 November 2018, Fiji held general elections during an extreme weather event. In total 25 polling stations were closed, affecting approximately 7, 500 registered voters (Fijian Elections Office, 2019). The decision to close the polling stations was made by the Supervisor of Elections, Fiji Election Office (FEO) on the afternoon of election day, once voting had started. Initially, buses were provided to make it easier to transport voters to the polling stations. However, this measure did not significantly increase participation as many of the roads leading to the polling stations were flooded (Graue, C. 2018; RNZ News, 2018).

Changes in procedures

On 17 November, 3 days after election day, the closed polling stations in Korouvu, Rakiraki, Nausori, and Levuka, were able to accommodate voters (Nakagawa, H. 2020). An additional 8,900 ballots were printed in order to hold polls on 17 November 2018 (Fijian Elections Office, 2019). The customary 48-hour blackout period for media was extended until all polling stations were closed on 17 November (Fijian Elections Office, 2019).

Voter turnout

Voter turnout was 71.92%, a decrease compared to the 2014 election which saw a turnout of 84.6% (International IDEA, n.d.). On 17 November, a total of 4, 853 people affected by the postponement voted  (Fijian Elections Office, 2019). The floods and postponements have been pointed out as the main reasons for the drop in turnout (Nakagawa, H. 2020).