New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has condemned suggestions that Fiji's promised election next year may be postponed.
Peters told Radio NZ that Commodore Frank Bainimarama's change of stance is unacceptable.
"He appears to want to turn his back on commitments to the Pacific Forum leaders last year. I think that it is very serious for the Fijian people and the Fijian economy. My advice would be for him to not risk the reaction of the EU - to batten down commitments he has made to them as well." Winston Peters.
Peters said the comments raise legal and constitutional issues that should concern everyone wanting a legitimate government in Fiji.
Yesterday interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama stressed to the EU Delegation, which is on a mission to Fiji the necessity to reform the electoral systems and how this could delay their plans to hold elections by March next year.
Bainimarama informed the mission known as TROIKA of the gradual progress on Fiji's return to democracy and the factors that could delay the elections while discussing Fiji's commitments to the EU which was agreed upon in April 2007.
He highlighted that one source of delay which is likely is that all key stakeholders do not come on board to participate in the proposed forum dialogue process to be facilitated by the UN and Commonwealth to discuss electoral reforms.
