MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government's package of assistance to support the Fiji Government to conduct free and fair elections in 2006.
Elections are the foundation of any democracy. The people of Fiji need to be confident the electoral process is transparent and gives legitimacy and mandate to the elected government.
The Australian Government through AusAID will contribute $3 million over two years to assist with election planning, budgeting, financial management, and public education.
I was pleased to sign a tripartite funding agreement with representatives from the New Zealand and Fiji Governments today for a joint programme to provide support for the elections.
The Australian Government will consider further assistance and longer-term support to enhance Fiji's capacity to prepare for future elections and this includes the establishment of a new computerised system that will enable efficient updating of Fiji's electoral rolls.
AusAID and the Australian Electoral Commission have worked with many countries in our region, using their wide range of expertise to build on the capacity of their electoral systems.
I wish Fiji well with the elections to be held next year.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590