Along with the thousands of Fijians who exercised their democratic right to vote on Wednesday were excited first-time voters.

The Fiji Times caught up with two in Sigatoka in Nadroga during the 2022 General Election. Salote Cagivou travelled all the way from Savusavu in Vanua Levu to vote at the Sigatoka Methodist School.

She said she did not update her information with the Fijian Elections Office but made a point to travel to Sigatoka so she could excercise her right to vote.

I used to work around here when I registered to vote, then I moved to Savusavu, the 22-year-old said.

I couldnt change my polling station nor apply for postal voting so I made sure to come here and vote.

Ms Cagivou said the voting process was smooth and relatively easy. Vutaele Videi, a first time voter from Malevu Village, Sigatoka, described her first time voting as exciting and efficient.

She was one of the 250 voters registered at the Malevu Community hall.

I am very happy I voted today (Wednesday), Ive been looking forward to this day for a long time, the 19-year-old said. Ms Videi said all the confusion she had before coming to vote was cleared by the helpful polling officials.

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2022 General Election: Journey across the sea to vote - The Fiji Times - Fiji Times