The Forum Working Group has been advised by the interim government that their elections timetable is yet to be finalized and would depend on the progress of the electoral reform process over the next few months.

Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told the group at their 13th meeting, that the proposed forum to discuss electoral reform was an attempt to ensure inclusive political dialogue with major political leaders and parties in Fiji.

The group reiterated its support for inclusive and meaningful political dialogue, emphasizing the importance of such dialogue allowing for truly independent discussions without preconditions or preconceived outcomes.

However, they also noted that the interim government's present position represented a modification of Fiji's earlier commitments to conducting elections by March 2009 and that the Forum's response to such a change would require further consideration by the Forum members at the political level.

In accordance with its mandate, the Working Group also discussed recent events in Fiji in relation to media freedom and responsibilities with the chairman of the Fiji Media Council Daryl Tart. The Group said it noted the concerns by the Media Council about the lack of transparency surrounding the deportation of two senior media figures earlier this year.