Australians in Fiji Begin Voting
3 September 2013
Australians living in Fiji have started early voting for the Australian federal election which will be held across Australia this Saturday, 7 September 2013.
The polls opened at the Australian High Commission last week and will remain open until Friday 6 September. Eligible Australians are invited to come to the High Commission on Princes Road between 9 am and 1230 pm or 130 and 4 pm, any day this week. The polls close at the Australian High Commission at 4 pm on Friday 6 September. The High Commission will not be open on Saturday for voting on the actual Election Day.
The High Commission in Suva is just one of a total of 102 Australian diplomatic missions around the world where Australian voters living, working or travelling abroad can vote, in person. Overseas voting arrangements for the federal election are part of the Australian Electoral Commission’s effort to ensure that every eligible Australian has the opportunity to vote.
Australians who qualify to cast early votes include those who will be away from their electorate on voting day; live more than 8km from a polling place; are approaching childbirth; are seriously ill or caring for someone who is; or are unable to attend a polling place due to religious beliefs, fear for personal safety, disability or work commitments.
Acting Australian High Commissioner, Glenn Miles said over a hundred Australians had already attended the High Commission to cast their vote.
“We encourage all Australians to come to the High Commission in Suva to cast their vote this year, before the office closes on Friday afternoon. We’re proud to be a part of this year’s election and hope all eligible Australians to make the most of this opportunity to participate in the election.”
A record 1717 candidates are contesting the 2013 Australian federal election. This compares to 1198 candidates who contested the 2010 federal election, an increase of 43 per cent.
This figure includes 529 Senate candidates for the 40 Senate vacancies and 1188 candidates for the 150 House of Representatives seats across Australia.
**ENDS**
Caption One: First Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Suva, Ms Suzy Wilson (right) and her husband, Mr Leulumoegafou Uilelea cast their early votes
Caption Two: Australian citizen, Mr Leulumoegafou Uilelea casts his early vote at the Australian High Commission in Suva
For clarifications or further information contact: The Public Affairs Section, Australian High Commission, Suva. Tel: (679)3382211 – Ext 246 Fax: (679) 3382065