Transcript
SALLY ROUND: The group known as MOG was on the whole impressed with how the election played out saying it was well administered, counting was transparent and credible, there was a peaceful environment and overall people were able to exercise their right to vote freely. The 71 page report goes into some detail about the group's findings on the lead up to the polls, polling day itself and the counting and tabulation process. ..Should just explain the make up of the group ... it was made up 70 plus people of differing backgrounds, some of them MPS, others election experts and they came from about a dozen countries...some arrived earlier on and were able to observe the early poling in remote areas. Others were there for the main election event and some 500 polling stations were visited overall. ...And apart from their findings, the group's made 21 recommendations.
KOROI HAWKINS: You were in Fiji covering the election, what stands out to you among those recommendations?
SR: I guess, given some concern expressed to us that there was not a level playing field in the run up to the election - it was interesting to see that MOG has recommended Fiji establish a code of conduct or caretaker conventions that would take effect from the when the election Writ is issued. The group noted during the election period Ministers undertook a range of high-profile activities, including opening buildings and dispensing government grants and other funds. The MOG also noted an instance of a government department placing a paid advertisement in a national newspaper congratulating its Minister on his performance.
So the group's recommended Fiji studies and develop guidance for its own ministers, MPs and bureaucracy in the run up to the election. There was also a suggestion that the campaign period needs to be better defined in the law to overcome allegations of unfairness. Another notable recommendation ...Adding the political party name to official election documents to make things easier for voters ... ... Voters at the moment only have a candidate's name and number to go on in the polling booth ... Also notable suggestions of a review of some of the electoral laws, strengthening the Electoral Commission and allowing civil society a bigger role in voter education...
KH: The campaign blackout period came under some scrutiny during the election, didn't it, what did the observer group say about that?
SR: MOG heard that there was some confusion around this especially for the media and they've recommended more clarity around what the media can and can't report on during the restricted period and they also suggested reviewing media regulations with respect to penalties. And on the electoral rules in general MOG suggested a review of electoral offences to ensure that penalties are proportionate and infringements not immediately classed as alleged criminal acts but civil in nature.
KH What did they say about public confidence in the election?
SR: While the group felt that the election met a very high standard technically and procedurally .... It talked of the need to get over a lack of trust in the process in some quarters. The observers say this remains an ongoing challenge that Fiji's electoral authorities must work actively to address, in partnership with Fiji's democratic institutions, political parties, civil society and citizens."
