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Sir, It is worrying to observe that certain individuals or groups are engaged in a systematic attempt to intimidate voters from executing their constitutional right to freely select the candidate of their choice. The recent threats of bloodshed hurled towards voters are nothing short of a cheap bullying tactic used by groups with very high expectations of defeat in the coming elections. These losers are attempting to take advantage of innocent individuals whom they perceive as vulnerable. The incidents of the past months have seen a rise in the level of chronic intimidation in Fiji. Threats are now being utilized to force citizens into complying with unfair demands, obviously being made on behalf of parties reluctant to forgo positions of power and authority. The dismal state of our law enforcement bodies is further allowing such acts to become habitual, more frequent and lethal. Combined police and army efforts have failed to apprehend the culprits. These authorities may still be investigating well after the elections. It is also frightening to observe that some political parties have provided their approval to this act of intimidation by remaining silent while, other leaders have been very slow and hesitant in their efforts to "genuinely" condemn the use of this cowardly tactic. Fiji TV's repeated display of the threat document in their news bulletins with substandard audio and visual material is also contributing more towards intimidation rather than information. Will Fiji ever have a fair election with such encouragement
and support for intimidation? |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
