Pacific Is Forum Election Observer Grp
Forum Observer Vote Count Statement
17-06
PRESS STATEMENT
18 May 2006 01:00:30
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM ELECTION OBSERVER GROUP
INTERIM STATEMENT ON THE COUNTING OF VOTES
Election observers from the Pacific Islands Forum were present for the counting of votes this week at the counting centres in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa in Fiji.
On the basis of its observation the Forum Team believes that the verification and counting of votes was conducted with the same integrity as the poll , said Forum Secretary General and Team Leader Greg Urwin.
Small problems and irregularities did arise in some constituencies observed by the Forum team, but these were appropriately addressed in the presence of observers and party agents. Forum members have no hesitation in assessing the counting process as fair and transparent said Mr Urwin.
The Forum team is aware that some concerns have been raised about alleged irregularities in the count, particularly in relation to one constituency.
The Forum team encourages full and transparent examination of any credible complaints through the appropriate channels, and is confident that the Office of the Supervisor of Elections will be able to ensure that any discrepancies are properly resolved, Mr Urwin said.
We hope that Fiji will now be able to move forward on the basis of what we judge to have been a sound process, Mr Urwin said.
The Forum team is now working to complete its more detailed report on the observation of the election, which will include some recommendations for improving the process in future elections.
The report will first go to the election authorities and the Government of Fiji, before it is released to Forum member governments and the public.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
18 May 2006
17-06
PRESS STATEMENT
18 May 2006 01:00:30
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM ELECTION OBSERVER GROUP
INTERIM STATEMENT ON THE COUNTING OF VOTES
Election observers from the Pacific Islands Forum were present for the counting of votes this week at the counting centres in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa in Fiji.
On the basis of its observation the Forum Team believes that the verification and counting of votes was conducted with the same integrity as the poll , said Forum Secretary General and Team Leader Greg Urwin.
Small problems and irregularities did arise in some constituencies observed by the Forum team, but these were appropriately addressed in the presence of observers and party agents. Forum members have no hesitation in assessing the counting process as fair and transparent said Mr Urwin.
The Forum team is aware that some concerns have been raised about alleged irregularities in the count, particularly in relation to one constituency.
The Forum team encourages full and transparent examination of any credible complaints through the appropriate channels, and is confident that the Office of the Supervisor of Elections will be able to ensure that any discrepancies are properly resolved, Mr Urwin said.
We hope that Fiji will now be able to move forward on the basis of what we judge to have been a sound process, Mr Urwin said.
The Forum team is now working to complete its more detailed report on the observation of the election, which will include some recommendations for improving the process in future elections.
The report will first go to the election authorities and the Government of Fiji, before it is released to Forum member governments and the public.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
18 May 2006
