NZ to give $5.3million for 2006 Fiji elections

Fiji's struggling electoral system will be bolstered by $5.3 million worth of New Zealand aid in a bid to ensure 2006's general election results are accurate.

New Zealand funding would be spent on training and technical support in the coming year, Aid Minister Marian Hobbs said when she announced the funding today.

A "fair, reliable and transparent" electoral system was essential to any country, she said.

"Letting all people, from all areas, have their say in a free and fair environment is the key to any election process and this funding is a good example of how New Zealand and Australia can combine their resources to support a Pacific country." she said.

A tripartite arrangement with the Fijian government will see New Zealand and Australia providing aid and ongoing assistance to the Fiji Elections Office to ensure future elections are run efficiently and accurately.

The Fijian government will pay a minimum of $12.7 million to support the Fiji Elections Office in 2006.

Although Fiji's 2001 elections were recognised as valid, the country's democratic situation is still shaky after a 2000 coup saw the elected Fijian Labour Party deposed.

- NZPA