10 Jun 2011

Australian-based Fiji democracy group calls for caretaker PM

8:59 am on 10 June 2011

An Australian-based Fiji pro-democracy group says its plan for a return to democracy in the country includes appointing a caretaker Prime Minister to lead the country to elections in 2012.

The Fiji Democracy and Freedom movement will use a forum in Australia this weekend to launch a transitional plan for democracy in Fiji.

The plan includes a call to respect the 2009 court of appeal decision that ruled the interim regime illegal, and appoint a caretaker prime minister.

Its organiser, former Fiji land force Commander, Jone Baledrokadroka, says they'd like to see elections much sooner than 2012, but concedes that's unlikely.

"But there are, or course, processes to be set in place. We do agree that the electoral system needs to be done. There are a few reforms. We've consulted widely with experts on electoral reforms. And they've given us advice saying it is prudent to probably have it in 2012."

Jone Baledrokadroka says the ten-point plan will be delivered to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in September.