One of the most important reasons that we returned to Fiji last summer was to document the run up to last year’s election, which was the first election in Fiji since the 2006 coup. Unfortunately, due to our work schedules, we knew that we wouldn’t actually be able to film the election itself. However, we knew that this would be a great opportunity to interview Fijians about their thoughts on the election and to enlist local filmmakers to document the election in our absence. It was a very exciting time to be in Fiji. We definitely noticed a sense of cautious optimism, which was different from what we experienced in our earlier, post-coup visits.
One exciting new voice in the political discussion of last year’s election was that of independent parliamentary candidate Roshika Deo, and while in Suva, we had the pleasure of interviewing her. Ms. Deo, who refers her political movement “Be the Change”, is an energetic and articulate advocate for woman’s rights and youth issues in Fiji. During her campaign she spoke to various constituencies around the country, and she began to expand her platform to reflect what she saw as her growing constituency. Unfortunately, as an outspoken young woman, she also faced misogynist threats and harassment by people who were offended by her even standing for parliament and speaking out for social justice and women’s issues. In our interview with her, Roshika Deo explained her own background and what led to her brave choice to go into advocacy and politics. In addition, she articulated her platform and voiced a pointed critique of the political status quo.
Fijian politician and activist Roshika Deo
Unfortunately, the “Be the Change” campaign faired poorly in the September 17th election, but that can be seen as a result of the domination of the entire political process by the ruling party. Roshika has not given up her efforts or her optimism and continues to fight on behalf of the issues that are important to her. Most importantly, she is a very inspirational figure and hopefully represents the new hope and promises that young people and women can bring to Fiji in the coming years.
Another exciting election-related experience we had while in Fiji was registering Jean to vote. Although Jean now is an American citizen, because she was born in Suva, she is entitled to vote, as are thousands of other Fijian expatriates. It was important to Jean to participate in the election process, especially after years of coups and dictatorship. She knew that this election was imperfect and probably wouldn’t change the ruling power, but she believed in the process and wanted to participate.
We knew that Jean had to be registered to vote by August 4th, but due to our schedule, we weren’t able to take her to the registration center until the last possible day! Well, we found the registration tent set up on a side street near the busy Toorak neighborhood of Suva. Helping us that day was our hero, Jone Siqila, a young Fijian filmmaker who we met through Kerry Barker, who has worked with Jone through Transparency International, an NGO that fights against corruption worldwide that Jone does videography for in Fiji.
Jone escorted Jean during the bureaucratic process of getting registered. Steady and patient, Jone was able to help an unsteady and somewhat impatient Jean (she is in her late 80’s after all!) navigate the tables and officials of the registration tent. Every one was very kind and helpful, and before too long, Jean was registered to vote! Later, when we got back to San Francisco, Jean received her absentee ballot and was able to cast her vote in the election!
During the actual election day of September 17th, while we were stuck in California, Jone was back in Fiji filming the proceedings in our absence. Vinaka vaka levu Jone!