By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji– The United Nations sent a three-person mission to Fiji from November 23 to November 28.  The members were led by Tamrat Samuel from the Department of Political Affairs and included Professor Yash Ghai, a senior expert adviser, and Tamara Murer, from the Department of Political Affairs.

The purpose of the mission was to explore ways the UN can support a political dialogue with Fiji in its efforts to restore democratic order to Fiji after the 2006 coup.  The mission held discussions with interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, other Interim Government officials, political party leaders, civil society leaders and academics, as well as diplomatic representatives in Suva.  Discussions were also held with the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum and with the visiting mission of the Commonwealth.

This mission has reiterated the UN’s desire to see a speedy return to parliamentary democracy in Fiji through an early election.  This follows Bainimarama’s announcement at the General Assembly in September that he did not believe Fiji will be able to hold parliamentary elections by next March, as previously scheduled.

The mission found an earnest desire among Fijian interlocuters for a return to an elected government.  They also found a willingness to discuss the electoral system and was encouraged by the strong desire to find a political solution to these problems through dialogue and consensus.

For more information, please see:

Pacific Magazine – Three-Person UN Team Completes Fiji Mission – 28 November 2008

Scoop World – Ban Dispatches UN Team To Fiji – 25 November 2008