Regime looks abroad for Polls chief post
Wednesday August 22, 2007

A-G Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the regime has no option but to look abroad

Fiji's interim regime says it will approach various countries to ask for assistance in filling and sourcing the vacant post of the Supervisor of Elections.

Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that they have no choice but to get someone 'qualified' from overseas to fill the position.

He said one option is to advertise the position through the European Union, which he added will be done soon.

"Three people had initially applied for the position but one dropped out the last minute and the Constitutional Offices Commission had recommended that the other two did not have the necessary experience and knowledge," Sayed-Khaiyum said.

"Therefore in consultation with my ministry we are of the view that we will try and seek a person with the right caliber from overseas."

"In fact during the meeting in Brussels we had alluded to the European Union at that particular time that we would be open to the idea of getting a Supervisor of Elections from overseas."

He also confirmed that the regime has prioritised the establishment of the Constituency Boundaries Commission.

Sayed-Khaiyum said once the census is conducted and raw data is available, the Commission should be in place to analyze the data and also the process of reconfiguring of the constituency boundaries.