31 Dec 2007

Fiji Constituency Boundaries Commission advised to begin its work in time for elections

5:37 pm on 31 December 2007

Fiji's Constituency Boundaries Commission has been advised to begin its work to allow for a thorough exercise before the 2009 election.

The Fiji Sun reports that the former Supervisor of Elections Semesa Karavaki has warned that a delay in the naming of the chairman of the commission could have an impact on the election.

Fijis interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has committed to free and fair elections being held before March 2009.

Mr Karavaki says the work of the census office would be subject to the completion and compilation of the report which he says the

commission basically needs about a year to conduct.

He says that when the three commissioners have finished their work, only then can the work of the elections office begin..

He said the work of the Election Office would depend on the report, which would determine the men power required to carry out an election.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General's office has yet to name the new chairman of the commission after two appiontees turned down their respective appointments.

The other two members of the commission are Father Kevin Barr and former the director for the Department of Lands, Albert Queet