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Issue No: 951; 18 July 2001
A team of 54 observers from international organizations will be observing the August elections in Fiji. The media reports that the team comprises 40 United Nations members, 12 from the Commonwealth of Nations and 2 from the European Union. The regime's foreign affairs minister stated: "They will be here to ensure that the election is clean and fair". Allegations of the regime's intention to rig the elections have been widespread. Even one Qarase regime minister is reported to have stated that he was concerned with the delay in the counting of the votes after polling ended. There is a lag of over 40 hours between the end of polling and the start of counting. (see http://www.pcgov.org.fj/hot_press/no815.htm) The elections office has reiterated its independence and has assured the citizens of Fiji of free and fair elections. But the assurances do not measure to the evidences on the ground. It has been revealed that the authorities are refusing to register Fiji citizens studying or staying abroad temporarily. (see http://www.pcgov.org.fj/hot_press/no937.htm ). It has also been reported that nomination forms are still not present with the returning officers. The Elections Office is headed by a highly professional and
dedicated lawyer, Walter Rigamoto. The nation has confidence in Rigamoto's
ability and dedication to ensuring a free and fair election. But actual polling
work is conducted by regime's officials over which Rigamoto does not have any
direct control. Over the year, the Qarase regime has placed its own people in
strategic positions. These people will be at the forefront of the polling in
August. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
