MOG studies processes

THE Multinational Observer Group (MOG) has been studying Fiji’s electoral laws and electoral processes in detail and looks forward to continuing discussions with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders.

This is the word from MOG observer co-ordinator Alice Cawte as the country prepares for the 2018 General Election on November 14.

The MOG met the commission last Friday.

Present at the meeting were the commission’s chairman, Suresh Chandra, and the five electoral commissioners — Simione Ratabacaca Naiduki, Kavita Raniga, Ratu Paula Halaiwalu, Margot Marie Jenkins and Jawahar Lal.

According to a statement on the MOG website, the two parties discussed preparations for the elections and the commission’s role in voter registration, voter education, candidate registration and the settlement of electoral disputes.

Ms Cawte acknowledged the commissioners for making the time to meet and discuss these processes which she said were all within the MOG’s terms of reference (TOR).

Australia, Indonesia and India are co-leading the MOG for next month’s general election.

Early last month, Government set out the TOR for the MOG, with minister responsible for Elections Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum saying it would allow the group to observe and evaluate the functions and operations of the Fijian Elections Office.