The interim government believes that the visiting European Parliament delegation now has a clear understanding why elections cannot be held in March 2009.
Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who met with the delegation in Nadi today, said he told the delegation that the Elections Office has already announced that they will be ready to have elections in 12 to 15 months after there is an agreement on electoral reforms.
Sayed-Khaiyum said a number of issues were addressed including the process which is being followed to discuss the proposed electoral reforms through the political dialogue forum.
Fijivillage also asked Sayed-Khaiyum what he had to say about the European Parliament delegation's statement that they see no reason on why elections cannot be held in 2009, that the interim government is not seriously taking steps towards parliamentary democracy and that the delegation could not confirm that credible and timely preparations for elections are underway in Fiji.
He confirmed that discussions were centered on this issue and it has been made clear that electoral reforms have to be agreed to first.
The former Supervisor of Elections is today questioning the Elections Office on why it is waiting for the final decision of the People's Charter and political forum on the voting system.
Semesa Karavaki said the Elections Office is an independent institution and it does not need to find out whether a new voting system will be implemented as the voting system to be used in an election is stated in the constitution and Electoral Act.
He said a new system is not needed as it would not be approved by an elected parliament before the next elections.
Karavaki said there should be no more excuses as elections can be held in 2009.
The Development Committee for the European Parliament after a three day visit to Fiji on concerns on the country's economic development, the sugar industry development and the broken promise that elections be held next year, said they see no reason why elections cannot be held next year.
Delegation Head, Gabriele Zimmer, through interpreter Daniel Pashley, said they are also of the view that the Interim Government is not working towards elections.
Meanwhile, funding for the Sugar Industry for 2008 and 2009 will remain on hold as the Development Committee for the European Parliament could not confirm that credible and timely preparations for elections are underway.
The EU funding for 2008 for the Sugar Industry was $334 million and this was put on hold after the events of December 5th with the condition that it would be released if there were genuine attempts at moving the country forward to parliamentary democracy by March next year.
EU Understands Elections Can’t Be Held
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p