4 Aug 2014

Fiji elections formalised, writ issued

5:21 pm on 4 August 2014

Fiji's Acting President Anthony Gates has issued the writ for elections.

The order under Fiji's Electoral Decree paves the way for the 17th September polls, the first to be held in the country since the Bainimarama-led government came to power in the 2006 coup.

The Chief Justice signed the writ in a formal ceremony at Government Buildings in Suva in place of the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau who has been overseas.

Fiji government buildings

Fiji government buildings Photo: RNZI / Sally Round

The chairman of the Electoral Commission accepted the writ and parties and independents now have until the 18th of August to put forward their nominations for candidacy.

Fiji Live reports the Elections Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the writ issuing showed the government had stuck to its promise over elections.

It is also the final day for voters to register and registration booths close at 6 o'clock this evening.

About 570-thousand voters were registered at the end of June.