Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has announced the deferment of the Local Government elections.
Rabuka has made the announcement in a national address, saying that with a heavy but clear sense of responsibility, he has decided to defer the Local Government elections after careful consideration by cabinet.
The date for the Local Government elections will be determined after the general elections.
Rabuka says they cannot go ahead, spending $18 million on the Local Government elections with a major global fuel crisis that is already affecting us through increasing fuel prices and now increasing pressure on Energy Fiji Limited.
Rabuka also highlights voter burnout if we have the Local Government elections and the general elections within a six month period.
He says just as they were considering a bus fare increase proposal by the Fiji Bus Operators Association, Energy Fiji Limited has made it's announcement this week.
The Prime Minister confirms that he had to make this announcement first before meeting with Energy Fiji Limited.
This follows EFL's request for urgent cost recovery measures by tomorrow or EFL would have to consider power rationing by the 1st of June this year.
Rabuka says in this uncertain global environment, we must prioritise and protect essential services, and must support our people through these pressures, and maintain stability.
Stay with us for developments.