18 Feb 2013

Integrity and independence vital for free and fair election in Fiji - Citizens' Constitutional Forum

8:19 pm on 18 February 2013

The Citizens' Constitutional Forum in Fiji says it is vital an independent supervisor of elections is appointed.

It says without this the Bainimarama government's promise of a free and fair election will suffer.

Chief executive the Reverend Akuila Yabaki says the regime risks putting the country through another constitutional crisis.

The non government organisation says the regime has a tight leash on the Elections Office and current and prospective political parties through its continuous interventionist decrees.

The CCF says the Elections Office should also be independent of any other institution of government to avoid interference and conflict of interest.

It says the regime needs to heed the call from the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on the need for Fiji to restore legitimate government.