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Issue No: 916; 5 July 2001
The regime's President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has stated that he will go ahead with his plans for elections irrespective of the decision of the High Court on the legality of calling for fresh elections. The Citizens Constitutional Forum, with some politicians and civil rights activists, have taken the regime to court for breach of constitution by Iloilo when he dismissed the elected government, reappointed a government which was declared illegal by the Fiji Court of Appeal, and called for fresh elections. Iloilo had sworn an affidavit which was presented to the Court on Monday. CCF's lawyer stated that from the affidavit given by Iloilo, "it seems that he will go ahead with the election even if the case does not rule in his favour. I have not found any case where a President, Governor or Governor General has obstructed Parliament from meeting as he is expected to do all things to uphold the Constitution". It is believed that Qarase, backed by some prominent businessmen, are behind the call for fresh election, thinking that they will succeed in legitimising the Qarase regime. The Qarase regime has been dogged by corruption scandals. A section of the business community, which benefited immensely from Qarase when he was the Manager of the Fiji Development Bank, adore the Qarase group. Meanwhile, the judge hearing the case, Michael Scott stated
that the Constitution had flaws. It is believed that Scott will find his way to
reject the CCF challenge. Scott was condemned for participating in the drafting
of advice to the now deposed President saying that he should abrogate the
Constitution. One lawyer referred to Scott presiding over the constitutional
case as one like allowing Dracula to guard the blood bank. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
