24 Dec 2015

More flag delays in Fiji

12:11 pm on 24 December 2015

The Fijian Government has again put off a decision on the country's new flag, delaying the next stage for another two months to the end of February next year.

This comes after prime minister Frank Bainimarama delayed the process by six months in June.

In a statement the government says it has now received new submissions since it released 23 designs earlier this year, but is still seeking more.

A selection of the finalists of Fiji's new flag

A selection of the finalists of Fiji's new flag Photo: newfijiflag.com

In March five designs will be chosen through the prime minister's office and then the public will have three months to select one.

The government says it expects to announce the new flag on 1st July and that it will be raised on Constitution Day, September 7th.

The plan to change the flag, which has faced widespread opposition in Fiji, was first floated in February last year and Mr Bainimarama had planned to raise it on the country's 45th anniversary last October.