DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MEDIA RELEASE HEADLINE: RABI COUNCIL OF
LEADERS ELECTIONS 2009 News in brief: (THURSDAY JANUARY 22ND
2009,No:0217/DOI) RABI COUNCIL OF LEADERS ELECTIONS 2009 The Rabi
Council of Leaders elections scheduled for January 22nd, 2009 has
now being deferred to April, confirms the Commissioner Northern’s
office. Commissioner Northern Inia Seruiratu had requested that it
be deferred because of the devastative effects of the flash floods
in the Northern Division. “ Due to the severity of the recent
flooding in the Northern Division which includes Rabi Island and
the devastating condition the flood has left us with, we are kindly
requesting if the Rabi Council Elections scheduled on the 22nd
January could be deferred to April, 2009,” he said. “ This will
also allow the services of government officials both in the
Northern and Western Division to be utilized in the immediate
assessment and later in the rehabilitation of the flood victims.
The Rabi Council is elected on a four-year term in office. The
council has a chairman and 8 councilors in total, with 2 each from
4 districts of Tabwewa, Tabiang, Uma, and Buakonikai. The Rabi
Council of Leaders Elections is a requirement under the Banaban
Settlement Act. The deferment also means better arrangements in
terms of logistics and organization for the Election after the
rehabilitation work in the flood affected areas. Seven polling
stations will also be established in Labasa, Suva and Lautoka and 4
in the island. About 2000-3000 eligible voters are expected to vote
in the elections. -Ends- For further enquiries please contact:
DINFO Newsroom Ph. 3301 806 Ext 118 Fax. 3305 139 Email:
news@info.gov.fj Website:
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