Election observation missions to the 2006 Fiji election (original) (raw)

never believe what you read in the papers and particularly from observers who are paid a lot of money for a tropical holiday (internet chatter) the general feeling of unease in Fijian society in the lead-up to the 2006 general election made the presence of election observers of more than academic interest. in his statement of 1 march 2006, announcing that the election would be held over the period 6-13 may, prime minister Qarase extended invitations to seven potential observer groups. A media release from the ministry of information, communications and media relations stated: the prime minister…announced that on behalf of Government, he would be extending invitations to the commonwealth, the united nations, the european union, the pacific islands Forum, and, bilaterally, to Australia and nZ, to send observers to monitor the elections in Fiji. the pm will also write to the Vice chancellor of the uSp [the university of the South pacific] to invite its School of Governance to monitor the elections in close liaison and coordination with the office of the Supervisor of elections. mr Qarase explained that Government was doing this because it has full confidence in the electoral commission and the office of the Supervisor of elections in independently conducting the General elections in a free, open, fair and impartial manner, and with full transparency. 2