Commonwealth welcomes Fiji’s timetable to elections

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group or CMAG has welcomed Fiji's announcement of the constitutional consultation process that would lead to elections by September 2014.

Following their meeting in London last night, CMAG further noted the undertaking made by the Fijian government that this process will be inclusive, transparent, and conducted with integrity and honesty.

The Commonwealth said it will be looking forward to seeing progress in the implementation of these commitments.

CMAG also welcomed the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulation as a necessary step in the improvement of the human rights situation.

However the Group expressed its concern that restrictions on human rights remain in place under the Public Order Amendment Decree and other decrees.

CMAG urged the government to restore full respect for human rights, including freedoms of expression and assembly, and access to justice.

It also welcomes Fiji's announcement of the constitutional consultation process that would lead to elections by September 2014.

Story by: Vijay Narayan