Fiji allowed back into next Commonwealth Games

Fiji has been allowed back into the next Commonwealth Games which will be held in Glasgow in July.

The decision to lift Fiji’s full suspension was made after the meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in London late last night.

Fiji was handed a full suspension in 2009.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has welcomed the significant progress made in Fiji towards holding general elections by September this year.

A statement from the Group following their 43rd meeting highlighted that the decision on Fiji’s current full suspension from the Commonwealth should be changed to suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth.

This decision will permit Fiji once again to participate in a range of Commonwealth activities, including the Commonwealth Games.

The statement also welcomes other progress made towards the national elections including the promulgation of a new constitution, the enrollment of more than 540,000 voters; the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission; and the commencement of dialogue between the Commission and political stakeholders.

In the statement, the Group also welcomed the decision by the Fiji Elections Office to open Voter Registration Offices around the country to ensure more voters will register in anticipation of the planned elections.

The Group also urged that the Electoral Commission be provided with the necessary independent authority and resources to oversee the conduct of credible and inclusive elections, on a level playing field.

It noted the logistical challenges still facing the Fiji Elections Office.

It commends the financial and technical support provided to the Elections Office and welcomed the offer by the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide technical advice and support to the electoral preparations.

The Group looks forward to the early appointment of a Supervisor of Elections and the issuance of an Elections Decree and the legal framework for elections.

It stressed the importance of the fullest possible voter education.

It also encouraged Fiji to invite international observation of the election.

The Group welcomed the relinquishment by the Prime Minister of his role as Commander of the RFMF and noted the subsequent announcement of his intention to register his political party to contest the forthcoming elections.

The Group further reaffirmed its commitment to Fiji’s full reinstatement as a member of the Commonwealth family, through the restoration of constitutional civilian democracy following credible elections later this year.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 organizing committee, said he now looks forward to welcoming Fiji’s athletes and officials to Scotland for the games.

The President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Tunku Imran has welcomed the decision and was delighted to welcome Fiji back into the Commonwealth Games family.

The Fijian government is yet to comment.

We are also trying to get the Fiji Rugby Union on whether the Vodafone Fiji 7s team will compete in this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka