I am a Fijian female  who has followed closely, the turn of events from May 19^th 2001 till the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 1^st.

Prior to the decision being handed down, the interim Government made a noble promise to the people of Fiji that it would abide by the decision of the Court of Appeal, whichever way it ruled.

It has now ruled. 

Fresh elections now seem to be one of the legal options that the executive has discussed  as the path to take after dismissing Parliament.

May I ask how and why is this option being explored?   How exactly will fresh elections contribute to addressing  the grievances of Fijian people?  What do  fresh elections hope to achieve? Do we have the funds? Once again, it seems like  taxpayers will be footing a hefty bill for a wasteful exercise slapped on them by a  mandate-less regime.

If anything, it appears to me like an attempt to buy time and allow dissatisfied Fijian parties ( former SVT losers)  a second chance to  win (or lose again) seats under the banner of “Fijian unification.”

By reviving the 1997 Constitution, the Courts have provided the legal parameters for politicians to find a suitable solution.  The most sensible, realistic option is the formation of the GNU .   It is legal, participatory, workable and cost-free.  All that is needed is political will by the leaders concerned.  It is not unachievable but very possible, if allowed to be explored.

On the other hand, fresh elections under an illegal government will only lead to:

If the interim government is as committed to the rule of law and order that it has been harping on about and indeed guided by the interests and the of the people, they should put their money where their mouths are and work towards ensuring a smooth transition of power.

The interim regime has done a satisfactory job in the last few moths.  It is time now for  the bureaucracy (at the senior levels, in particular)  to take a back seat and  allow the elected leaders, who have the mandate to rule, to come forth and govern.