Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama on Wednesday told a European Union (EU) delegation in Suva that next year's election could be delayed by his plans to change his country's electoral system.
Bainimarama, who took power in December 2006, on Wednesday issued a statement, saying that while he was committed to holding elections in the first quarter of next year, there could be delays, the Suva-based Pacnews regional news agency reported.
He said a political forum, to decide how the country's electoral system should be changed in light of the 2006 coup, had to be held before the poll.
He said commitments made could only be realized if there was "constructive dialogue and engagement" from groups within Fiji, the international community and development partners.
"One source of delay likely is that all key stakeholders do not come on board to participate in the proposed Forum Dialogue process," the statement said.
Bainimarama last year told Pacific leaders he would hold free elections in the first quarter of 2009 under the rules in Fiji's existing constitution.
More recently he has said a "people's charter", widely expected to alter the country's electoral system, must be accepted before elections are held.
He has also said members of the former ruling Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party will be banned from contesting the poll.
An EU delegation is currently in the South Pacific to examine the progress Fiji has made toward elections.
Last year, Fiji promised the EU it would hold elections no later than March 1, 2009 and would respect human rights in the country.
Source: Xinhua
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