Fiji budget speech silent on election 

Fiji's 2009 budget has dealt a blow to those expecting a quick return to democracy, with no mention of funds for holding an election next financial year.

Fiji's self-appointed prime minister and finance minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, handed down his nation's budget for next year.

In a long speech, Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup in December 2006, mentioned his country's return to democracy only once.

"I submit to all our development partners, that Fiji seeks your support for our efforts towards national development, to promoting good governance, and for laying a platform for a return to parliamentary democracy," Bainimarama said.

In 2007 Bainimarama promised to hold elections by March 2009, but has since backflipped from that position, saying a poll will only go ahead once voting changes are put in place.

A spokesman for Fiji's Ministry of Finance said while the budget did not allocate funds directly for holding an election, $F5 million ($NZ5m) had been earmarked for electronic equipment to allow voter registration.

"You have to have the registration of voters first before you can hold an election," he said.

In his speech on Friday Bainimarama said his budget was "pro-growth and pro-poor" and would improve living conditions for all Fiji's people.

The total budget expenditure was forecast at $F1.72 billion ($NZ1.6b) with revenues of $F1.52 billion ($NZ1.4b).

Bainimarama said his budget had a three-pronged strategy; rebuilding confidence, helping the poor and improving the public sector.

He hinted at cuts to the public service in Fiji, saying the sector was large for a country of Fiji's size.

The military leader also said Fiji would face challenges in 2009, with the impact of global economic turmoil hitting the South Pacific nation.

"Fiji and its people must be prepared to absorb the shocks," he said.

"We will need to be prepared to sacrifice, to work harder and smarter and perhaps above all, to draw upon our inner strengths as a nation and as one people, to work together, to chart our way forward," Bainimarama said.