NADI Fiji — During last year’s Pacific Island Forum interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama laid out his commitment to returning democratic elections to Fiji by 2009.  Many international observers, notably Australia and New Zealand, have come to question that commitment, particularly in light of the interim government’s insistence that the People’s Charter must be completed before democratic elections can be held. 

On Thursday, however, the interim PM met with the prime ministers of Papua New Guinea and Tonga in secret to reaffirm his commitment to restoring elections.  While the meeting itself and the agenda were kept secret, interim Finance Minister Parmesh Chand described the meeting as “a friendly meeting among leaders”.  Bainimarama told the Pacific leaders that he is planning to have the elections go ahead as planned in March.  Tongan PM Dr. Fred Sevele told Radio Australia, “Sure, there have been some delays in achieving some of the deadlines for some of the activities, but now things are moving and we are reassured.”

The leaders also reportedly discussed the upcoming Pacific Island Forum, which will be held in August at Niue. 

For more information, please see:
Mathaba News Network — Pacific leaders meet in secret talks with Fiji interim PM — 12 April 2008

Fijilive — ‘Bainimarama reaffirmed march polls’ — 13 April 2008

Pacific Magazine — Fiji, Tonga, and PNG Leaders Meet in Nadi — 12 April 2008

Solomon Times — Quiet Meet in Fiji for Three — 12 April 2008