Commonwealth Envoy Sir Paul Reeves has urged the interim government to strengthen its work to hold general elections so that the timetable set for March 2009 will be achieved.
Sir Paul made this call at a press conference this morning where he also revealed that all political leaders have agreed to participate in the President Forum to discuss electoral reforms.
Reeves stressed that the Commonwealth hold the interim government to its word to conducting elections by March next year.
Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry believes that the Presidential Forum to discuss the electoral reforms should take place within the boundaries of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.
Chaudhry said for the forum to succeed, the proposal of the NCBBF and all its other members should be included in the Forum.
However SDL National Director, Peceli Kinivuwai reiterates if changes are brought within the Forum for discussion and implementation, it has to be done within the confines of the '97 Constitution which is still in place.
Leaders Agree to Participate in Forum
Positive signs today as all the political leaders in Fiji have agreed to participate in the proposed Presidential Forum to be facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
These are the words of Commonwealth Envoy, Sir Paul Reeves as he wraps up his visit in Fiji today as part of the Commonwealth's ongoing engagement and commitment to assist Fiji in its efforts to return to full constitutional and civilian democracy.
"I can report to you that there is full support from all the political leaders that I’ve seen to participate in this forum and to engage in political dialogue," Reeves said.
He said the Commonwealth is in an ongoing discussion and consultation with the United Nations about how best both the Commonwealth and the UN could assist Fiji through this process.
He said he will prepare a draft terms of reference for the President's Forum, and will offer the draft for the Consideration of the Commonwealth Secretary General, and will also consult the Interim PM and he is hoping that the draft, which comes back from the Commonwealth Secretary General will then be endorsed by the Interim Government and political leaders.
He also emphasised the independence of the Commonwealth.
"The Commonwealth is independent – we’re independent. We’re not responsible to the NCBBF or directly responsible to the Interim Government. We’re coming here in our personal capacity and I believe our independence is the gift that we offer Fiji," Reeves said.
"I don’t come in as a person who will provide the answers for the issues which the leaders will have to face. My job will be to control the process and help them find a space where they can safely, openly and consistently they may begin to talk with each other and see if they can find common ground."
He said the President's Forum is expected to start work by the end of August.
