25 Apr 2007

All members of Fiji's deposed SDL government ready to stand again

5:17 pm on 25 April 2007

All members of Fiji's deposed SDL government are reported to be ready to stand for re-election if the country returns to the polls.

The Fijilive news website says this has been confirmed by the general secretary of the former ruling party, Peceli Kinivuwai.

Mr Kinivuwai says they want to stand again because they were unceremoniously dumped and have unfinished business.

The deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, said earlier that standing in the next general election was his top priority.

Mr Kinivuwai says the SDL management board will screen all those who want to contest, including the deposed cabinet ministers.

He says the SDL party has disputed the interim administration's earlier election timeline of 36 months in its submissions to the European Union and the United Nations fact finding mission currently in the country.

He says the SDL party had proposed that a census, redrawing of electoral boundaries and other election logistics could be carried out within 18 months.