Privilege for inmates

Maciu Malo
Tuesday, July 31, 2012

MORE than 80 inmates in the Western Division will be given the opportunity to register themselves in the electronic voter registration process.

West Corrections Service supervisor Assistant Superintendent Oliver Fisher said this was the first time this exercise was allowed for inmates.

He said the inmates were thankful they were given the opportunity to vote for the 2014 general election.

"They are grateful they have been given a sense of belonging, knowing they are part of the community," ASP Fisher said.

"Those serving less than 12 months sentences will be given the chance to register for the EVR," he said.

"Those registered will have the chance to vote in 2014 and to have a say in the make-up of the new government."

Meanwhile, a EVR team will be in the Yasawa and the Mamanuca Group of islands this week.

This was confirmed by Lautoka EVR co-ordinator Nitindra Chand.

He said more than 1000 eligible voters were expected to register in the islands.

"We are expecting a good response from the islands after much awareness being made earlier," Mr Chand said.

He said more than 27,000 people had registered their names at the Lautoka centres. Mr Chand said the people of Lautoka responded well and with more than one month left for registration, he was hopeful that more would show up.

He said registration had also progressed well in Ba, Nadi, Nadroga, Tavua and Rakiraki.