By Sarah E. Treptow

Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – Fiji’s Interim PM, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama wants to call for elections as soon as practicable.  It is reported that Bainimarama has written to political parties for a meeting next week to set the agenda and terms of reference for a forum for presidential political dialogue.  Political leaders were told the agenda would remain open and flexible but the overall objective would be to move toward constitutional and democratic governance.  Ousted PM, Laisenia Qarase, has welcomed this call for a meeting.

The independent interlocuters named are Dr. Sitiveni Halapua of the Pacific Islands Development program of the East West Centre and Robin Nair who is a member of the President’s Independent Monitoring Group.

As SDL party leader, Qarase has said they will participate though they have reservations over the interlocuters.  Political parties have until Wednesday to respond to the invitation.

For more information, please see:

Fiji Times Online – It’s on – 21 October 2008

Pacific Magazine – Fiji’s Interim PM Wants To Call For Elections – 21 October 2008