INITIAL STATEMENT ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTORAL DECREE 2014
30th March, 2014.
The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum welcomes the long awaited announcement made on Friday 28th March that of the Electoral Decree 2014.
Whilst CCF will soon be making a more substantial statement I have these initial comments to make :
Firstly, we note with interest the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Saneem as Supervisor of Elections and wonder if the gentleman has met all the criteria for selection to this important post.
I refer in particular to years of experience and the conditions which will ensure independence and credibility of performance in order for Mr. Saneem to satisfy conditions required by international standards.
Secondly we note Section 115 of the Electoral Decree refers to restrictions for civil society such as CCF to desist from engaging in “campaign”. CCF recently issued a statement to ascertain ad reemphasize its position that is I is not aligned with any political party. Bu we do engage creatively with all stakeholders by providing critical and alternative on matters of importance to members of the public. We do not regard this role as one which should be seen as campaign activities.
So I conclude we do not think Section 115 of the electoral Decree is applicable to our role as a pro-democracy movement resourced and supported by international partners to assist Fiji citizens and all stakeholders to participate effectively in the September elections and in a manner that can lead to having a free and fair elections.
Rev. Akuila Yabaki
CEO, CCF.
Ends.