Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has extended the flag design consultation period to 31st December.

Cabinet and then Parliament will consider the new flag design when it convenes in 2016.

In a statement this afternoon, Bainimarama says the flag response teams have been receiving positive feedback from the Fijian – and the government recognises that they want more time.

He says people are seeking more choices than are being offered by the existing 23 designs and the Government has decided to extend the period of consultation.

More choices are going to be offered over the next few weeks and months with the December 31st as the new closing date for design consultations.

The Prime Minister adds that by extending the deadline, there is now ample opportunity for Fijians of all ages and backgrounds to further contribute and consider what symbols most appropriately represent our wonderful nation.

The government will soon announce precise details of the revised timetable for consultations.

Bainimarama has appealed to all Fijians who have yet to do so – to become involved in the process.

The original deadline for the first phase of the flag selection process to be completed was today.