Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem with Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho (right) Photo: RNZ Pacific
The Fiji Police Force has increased the number of officers on the ground to ensure the Fiji election operates smoothly.
Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, said a further 1500 police officers have been deployed to assist the Fiji Elections Office today.
Qiliho said the Force has invested in geotracking equipment (GPS) to assist with operations.
"We have also invested in the use of technology, where we are aware where our specific vehicles are located at any particular time," added Qiliho
"We have also installed CCTV cameras in areas such as this (the counting venue), so that we have the facilities for the purpose to monitoring the security for the conduct of the election. There's been a command centre that's set up specifically for this operations."
Qiliho added that Police presence has generally been increased across the country in the last 24 hours.
"You would have noticed in the last 24 hours there has been an increase in police presence not only specifically for the election, but we've got school holidays that have kicked in and also the build-up to the festive season."
The Commissioner is reminding Fijians to be vigilant while out today.
"A few reminders on our personal security - if you're leaving home please be mindful of the security of your home and also your vehicles while heading to polling stations."
Dozens of observer teams deployed
The Multinational Observer Group (MOG) has 39 teams of observers spread across of Fiji today.
The co-chairs from Australia, India and Indonesia witnessed the first voters cast their ballots at Suva Grammar School from 7.30am.
"We also have a Suva-Nausori contingent who will be observing polling in the area including overseas voters as well as counting and tallying at the National Count Centre and the National Results Centre from this evening," the group said.
More than 90 observers from 16 countries and two regional organisations - the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group - are deployed for the Election.
In the lead-up to the election, the MOG said it did not observe any irregularities.
The MOG said there were no significant issues that would prevent registered voters from casting their ballot during pre-polling, postal voting or on election day.
A multi-national observer group with more than 90 observers from 16 countries are monitoring polling, counting and tallying of the ballots in Fiji. 14 December 2022 Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Kelvin Anthony