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Issue No: 537; 2 March 2001
The decision by the Fiji Court of Appeal upholding the 1997 Constitution and declaring that the Parliament is intact has been welcomed by the people of Fiji. All major political parties, except the SVT, welcomed the decision. Trade Unions, the Citizens Constitution Forum, the religious groups, the women's movements, Fiji Blue Committee, the Fiji First Movement, the Chamber of Commerce, and the academic community have hailed the decision as one which can now put Fiji back on the path of democracy. The legitimate Prime Minister has called for the reconvening of the Parliament as soon as possible. (see http://www.pcgov.org.fj/press_rel/appealdecision_pm.htm) Other political parties have also called for the reconvening of the Parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Fijian Association, Adi Kuini Speed said she was very optimistic about the government accommodating the needs of the people and their future. Even two political parties which opposed the People's Coalition Government - the National Federation Party and the United General Party - have welcomed the decision. People on the streets, of all ethnic groups, have also stated that the decision was a fair one, and that the rule of law must prevail. Many ethnic Fijians interviewed by Fiji TV were visually pleased with the decision. So far the only adverse comments which have come are from a faction of the SVT and the Taukei Movement. SVT's Secretary Jone Banuve stated that the SVT was not prepared to accept the People's Coalition Government. But the SVT is split now, with the Member of Parliament from Cakaudrove, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu calling for a change in the leadership of the SVT. He is quoted by today's Fiji Times as saying that the party should elect a new parliamentary leader. The current leader, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is a member of the Qarase regime. When interviewed by Fiji TV yesterday, he did not commit himself on whether he and the regime accept the decision. He said that Qarase had made a commitment and he would keep to it. He asked: "What choice do we have?" Qarase's statements last night have been interpreted by many, including the Sydney Morning Herald's Mary-Louise O'Callaghan as a "clear indication the regime is not prepared to stand aside". The Acting President, however, stated in no uncertain terms that the judgment has to be abided by. The military has also stated that it supports the President. On the other hand, the Taukei Movement's President, Ratu Tevita Bolobolo also stated that he would not accept the Coalition Government. But Ratu Tevita has been an unsuccessful SVT candidate in the last national election. A USP academic commented: "What is clearly emerging is that those in the SVT who lost the last election do not want the present Parliament to run its complete term, while those who are currently members of Parliament do not wish to have an election soon. In due course, even other political parties will throw their weight behind the call for a new election". |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
