2 Feb 2009

Fiji's interim administration dumps local councils

11:28 am on 2 February 2009

The outgoing mayor of Fiji's capital, Suva, Ratu Peni Volavola says dissolving municipal councils was an illegal move by the interim Government.

Ratu Peni has been Suva's mayor for six consecutive terms.

This decision involves town clerks being named chief executive officers.

The CEOs will be assisted by special administrators, whose positions will be advertised.

But Ratu Peni said the Mayors should have been given an opportunity to present their case.

Fiji Live says the interim Government has dissolved the 10 town and city councils in order for a "clean-up" of their operations, claiming that some municipalities have been tainted by political affiliations.

The interim Local Government Minister Filipe Bole has not indicated when new municipal elections will be held.