THE Multinational Observer Group (MOG) yesterday paid a courtesy call on Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Benyamin Scott Carnadi attended on behalf of the MOG’s co-lead countries and Observer Coordinator Alice Cawte represented the MOG Secretariat.
Indonesia is one of the MOG’s three co-lead countries, along with India and Australia and was also a co-lead country of the 2014 MOG.
Prime Minister Bainimarama welcomed the MOG to Fiji where he was given an outline by MOG representatives on their work to date and its future plans.
“We have been studying Fiji’s electoral system in detail, have had in-depth discussions with election officials and observed a number of training courses,” said Ms Cawte.
“The MOG has also deployed teams around Viti Levu, to hear the perspectives of villages and communities on Fiji’s electoral processes.
“As we enter the pre-poll voting period and approach polling day, the MOG will be visiting many other towns and villages around the country.”
Ambassador Carnadi said Indonesia appreciated the opportunity to co-lead the MOG for the 2018 General Election and would shortly announce its Co-Chair.
The MOG Secretariat met separately with Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in his role as Minister responsible for Elections.
The MOG discussed with the minister changes in electoral laws and the broad electoral landscape since the previous election.
