The Interim government is committed to holding democratic elections in March 2009 in line with the commitments Fiji has given to the international community, the EU and the Pacific Islands Forum.

However Interim Foreign Minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau told the Forum Foreign Ministers in Auckland today that their goal can only be reached with constructive dialogue and engagement from all interested parties in Fiji, the international community, bilateral and multi-lateral development partners and the Forum.

Ratu Epeli then gave an update on what the interim government has achieved so far. These include the completion of the national census last year, the appointment of the members of the Electoral Commission, appointment of a Deputy Supervisor of Elections and adequate number of staff at the elections office, appointment of the Boundaries Commission, allocation of funds in the 2008 budget for preparatory work on the 2009 elections.

Ratu Epeli says they are in the final stages of appointing the new Supervisor of Elections. However due to the travel sanctions they were forced to go abroad for the national appointment. He says this was a thoroughly demeaning and colonial foray especially when Fiji has well qualified people to take up the post.

He also gave a report on the progress on the work on the People's Charter process and Ratu Epeli stressed that the process will not undermine current commitments to holding elections in 2009.