UN Has Not Done Enough: Qarase
Those were the sentiments of ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase after interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama told the UN General Assembly that Fiji will not be able to hold elections in early 2009 because there is work still in progress towards agreeing on a democratic electoral system.
Qarase said the world body can take a tougher stance to ensure elections are held as soon as possible.
According to Qarase despite the interim Prime Minister's views, elections can still be held in March next year.
While addressing the world leaders, Commodore Frank Bainimarama stressed that Fiji will not be able to hold elections in early 2009 because there is work still in progress towards agreeing on a democratic electoral system, one acceptable to the Fiji people and which is agreed to by all political stakeholders, through political dialogue.
Bainimarama said there is also hope that the delay of the President's Political Forum, whose main initial focus would have been on electoral reform, would be convened as soon as possible, reiterating that Fiji will need the help of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
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