It is now clear that the Interim Prime Minister's commitment to the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga was altered, after the Forum leaders did not agree with his statement that he would have elections in March 2009 in principle.
The Chairman of the Pacific Island Leaders Forum and Tongan Prime Minister, Doctor Feleti Sevele has come out publicly and stated that he and Sir Michael Somare asked Commodore Frank Bainimarama to remove the term 'in principle' and just commit that he will have elections in March 2009.
Speaking to the ABC Pacific Beat, Doctor Sevele confirmed that the commitment was then changed.
Doctor Sevele also said that Bainimarama was told that he should ensure that elections are held in March next year.
However, a request for an extension can be considered based on the level of preparations.
Following last week's Ministerial Contact Group meetings in Suva, NZ Foreign Minister, Winston Peters said based on his assessment, Fiji can have elections in March next year.
However Commodore Bainimarama told Fijivillage News that people like Peters need to understand the reality of the situation and why elections cannot be held in March 2009.
The Pacific Islands Leaders Forum will be held in Niue next month.
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Interim PM’s Commitment Was Altered-Sevele
