Preparations for Fiji’s 2014 elections are already underway as the government is now looking for a new Supervisor of Elections.
Attorney General and Minister for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the advertisement for the position will be out today and will also be sent overseas through the various heads of missions in the country.
He said they also hope to announce the names of the electoral commissioners that will be appointed under the constitution in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General said the Fijian Government has always been open to talks with everyone on equal terms when questioned on the positive relations that the Australian and New Zealand government want to reestablish with Fiji as progress is being made towards elections.
Sayed-Khaiyum said they have been having a series of meetings with the various heads of missions in Fiji, and multilateral agencies for the election assistance.
New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has announced the easing of some sanctions on Fiji, a programme of electoral assistance and development assistance in order to support progress towards elections next year.
Australia’s foreign policy approach towards Fiji over the last seven years is expected to change soon.
According to Australian Prime Minister elect Tony Abbott, they will work with Fiji to normalize relations as soon as possible.
The first issue to be looked at would be the sanctions.
Issues like Fiji’s suspension from the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum will also be reviewed.
Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa
Feature
Supervisor of Elections post to be advertised today