The Electoral Commission approved 100 as the first three-digit number for the upcoming General Election, following a barrel draw involving three shortlisted numbers.

Commission Chair Justice Usaia Ratuvili said the Commission had approved 001, 010 and 100 as the possible options before conducting the draw to determine the final selection.

The selection of 100 marked the beginning of preparations for the upcoming General Election, with the number set to appear at the start of ballot papers.

Justice Ratuvili said the Electoral Act provided for the Commission to conduct a draw to determine the first three digits to be used on ballot papers, with 100 selected during the exercise.

He explained that once the election writ was issued, nominations for candidates would open.

Following the completion and approval of nominations, a separate draw would be conducted by the Fijian Elections Office to allocate individual numbers to each confirmed candidate.

The process would determine the numbers assigned to candidates on ballot papers ahead of the next General Election.