The government of Fiji notes the 1 September 2009 statement issued by the Commonwealth Sectary General in relation to Fiji's suspension as a member of the Commonwealth.
The Government of Fiji also notes that the Commonwealth remains committed to engaging with the Fijian government notwithstanding the suspension.
The Fijian Government cherishes its membership of the Commonwealth. It also believes that the Commonwealth can partner with Fiji to resolve its long standing systemic and structural challenges. It is in this respect that the Fijian Government appreciates that fact that its invitation to the Commonwealth to visit Fiji has been accepted. The Fijian Government looks forward to meeting the Special Representatives of the Secretary General who is scheduled to be in Fiji between 9 and 11 September.
Suffice to say the Fijian Government believes that through dialogue and understanding of Fiji's unique and specific history, experience, colonial past, political landscape and current ground realities that the Commonwealth will better placed to assist Fiji.
As Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has stated, elections in Fiji must be held. However, these elections must be held under a constitution and an electoral system that guarantees and reflects the principles and practical implementation of equal and common citizenry and equal suffrage, which are universally accepted principles.
The process and holding of elections must be preceded by reforms that will ensure that Fiji once for all gets rid of the coup culture and has sustainable and true democracy which excludes communal politics. Democracy must also be contextualized within the Fijian experience and history. The holding of election in itself does not guarantee sustainable democracy nor that matter correct longstanding injustices, inequalities and corruption. This is evident from the contemporary experiences of many countries within and outside the Commonwealth.
The Fijian Government looks forward to the meeting to be held next week with the Commonwealth representatives.