The Commonwealth Local Government Forum which is the designated Commonwealth Organization for local governments, has called on the Interim Government to ensure that early local government elections are held no later than October 2009, following the Interim Government's decision to terminate the term of elected councilors today.

The CLGF notes that the decision to terminate the mandate of elected councilors is contrary to the advice contained in the recent review report which had been submitted to the Interim Government for consideration.

CLGF chairperson Basil Morrison said he is disappointed at the failure to follow the advice of the review report which recommended that the "system of democratically elected councilors” remain in place, and it be strengthened and that the existing elected Councils remain in place until October 2009 in order to facilitate the implementation of the collaborative reform process.

Morrison said the tragic floods which have struck Fiji highlighted the importance of local government, headed by local leaders, in dealing with such emergency situations and in maintaining essential services to the local community.

Interim Local Government Minister Filipe Bole said the 12 Mayors in the 12 municipalities have received their letters that their services were no longer required.

Bole said he has appointed Town Clerks to run the daily affairs of the 12 municipalities around the country.