Pacific

Fiji interim regime reffirms 2009 election plan

14:23 pm on 6 February 2008

Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama says the March 2009 General Election will go ahead despite critics doubting his government's commitment.

"His comments came after the ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase yesterday (Tues) told a public forum that he doubted the interim regime had the commitment and political will to hold elections next year."

The man who supervised the last two elections, Semesa Karavaki, also believes the interim Government is not only late in its preparation, but also deliberately delaying the process.

He adds the proposed People's Charter is a smoke screen used by the interim Government to extend its term for another five years in office.

But, Commodore Bainimarama is adamant that he will keep his promise to the nation and the Pacific Island Leaders Forum in Tonga last year.

He has told fijilive.com that the country will hold general elections in 2009.

The interim regime has appointed the electoral commission and the Constituency Boundaries Commission and is expected to appoint a Supervisor of Elections next month.