21 Jul 2011

Fiji's Mara again says elections in Fiji unlikely to happen

10:34 am on 21 July 2011

The former Fiji army colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara says last week's removal of his sister as head of the Lau provincial council is a prelude to what will happen in elections in 2014.

Adi Ateca Ganilau, who was elected by the council, spoke out against the interim regime at a meeting and was replaced the next day by the interim education minister, Filipe Bole.

Ratu Tevita says that will likely happen again.

"It's a prelude to what will likely happen in 2014, if he does decide to have elections. I'm of the view, and I have mentioned it before, that he will not go to elections in 2014."

Ratu Tevita Mara is in New Zealand for a five-day visit with Fiji pro-democracy groups.