SUVA, 13 MAY 2019 (PIFS) – A Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Election Observer Team is in New Caledonia to observe the Provincial Elections which was held on Sunday.
The outcome of the elections to the three Provincial Assemblies – the Southern Assembly, the Northern Assembly, and Provincial Assembly of the Loyalty Islands, will also determine the composition of the New Caledonia Congress.
Forum election observer missions are carried out under the Pacific Islands Forum Biketawa Declaration of 2000, as well as in compliance with the United Nations Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.
“This is the first time the Pacific Islands Forum will observe Provincial elections in New Caledonia” said Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor.
“New Caledonia became a full member of the Forum in 2016 and I commend the Government for upholding Leaders’ commitment to good governance under the Biketawa Declaration by inviting the Forum to observe the elections.”
While in New Caledonia the PIF Team met with representatives of a wide range of stakeholder groups.
“Elections enable and empower people to influence the future of their country so it is important that the observer team speaks with as many representatives of people as possible,” said Secretary General Taylor
The Forum Team observe the conduct of the election in the island of Ouvea as well as in the Noumea and Greater Noumea area.
The Forum Team comprises a representative from the Fijian Elections Office, Ana Mataiciwa supported by Forum Secretariat staff.
