DISAPPOINTED
12-Dec-2008 08:46 AM

MINISTERS from the Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group have expressed disappointment that the interim regime has no intention of holding elections by March next year.

This, they said, had paved the way for Fiji’s suspension from the Forum.

Comprising of ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu, the group made the announcement yesterday afternoon following talks with members of the interim government, political party leaders and other stakeholders.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith said that Fiji should expect consequences to follow from its failure to hold elections especially when the interim Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama was not consistent with his undertakings at the Forum meeting in Tonga in 2007.

The interim regime yesterday stood firm on its opinion that there needed to be changes to the electoral system before any election.

In a statement to the group Bainimarama said he had been “totally transparent and consistent” in explaining that the initial time frame of March 2009 was given “on the basis that there was flexibility built into it, given the need for reform of our electoral system.”

“In no uncertain terms, that I and the Government, are fully committed to a strong and sustainable parliamentary democracy in Fiji,” he said. 

“I re-iterate to you that elections for the sake of election will not resolve the long festering, deep rooted problems of Fiji,” said Bainimarama.

Smith said the group acknowledged that there would be no be elections now until the end of March as Bainimarama had earlier pledged.

“We expect the Forum leaders to consider that and consequences may well flow. It’s for the leaders to consider suspension.”

The group admitted that “the only way now is Fiji’s leaders agreeing on a way forward” through political dialogue.

Smith reiterated that the Forum and international community was interested in seeing the country return to democracy quickly and there would be consequences.

“We are taking one step at a time. There are consequences from walking away from democracy and also for not returning to democracy. With the deteriorating economy, we expect to see the outcome of the political dialogue to occur as soon as possible. The economic and social circumstances in Fiji need improvement,” said Smith.

“We encourage and are ready to support and facilitate the political dialogue as Fiji, is depending on this to move forward,” he said.

The group will table its report to a special Forum leaders meeting in Port Moresby next January.


By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO