Are Manifestos just a Promise or Genuine Concern

Issue No: 968; 24 July 2001

 
As election nears, party manifestos are being released. Reduction in costs of living is a common promise made by all. Today's Fiji Times editorial also raises the common promises made by candidates and parties:

" The manifestos released so far have one thing in common. The price of just about everything will be reduced."

"Learning from the success of the Labour Party in 1999 with its simple message that life would cheaper under Labour, many parties and candidates have adopted the same strategy".

"None so far, however, have taken the trouble to even guess at the cost of their election pledges, far less offer reliable figures".

"All the promises including those to reduce or abolish VAT on basic items, to slash prices of everything from electricity to water to telephone calls will cost the Government money".

While the parties are promising a reduction in prices, none so far have provided the means of funding such as a move. Fiji Labour Party, however, made similar promises in 1999 election and did delivery enough within a year in government. Its 1999 budget had received criticism from these same parties. It is also believed that Fiji Labour Party's reduction in prices and removal of VAT that benefited ordinary people did not go well with the business houses.

Would parties with business backing be able to keep such promises?
Are these promises the means to get votes?

 

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
Disclaimer
Webmaster
Last update: August 27, 2001