Fiji needs to keep its election promise

Media Release

Fiji needs to keep its election promise and talk to Pacific neighbours

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) calls on Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to honour the commitment he made to have democratic elections by 2014.

“Fiji cannot sit in isolation from the rest of the world. Bainimarama promised the people of Fiji and our regional and international stakeholders, that elections will be held at the latest by 2014. Bainimarama needs to honour that promise,” CCF Chief Executive Officer Reverend Akuila Yabaki said.

CCF also calls for renewed dialogue with its regional partners and neighbours.

“The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is a sub-group within the Pacific Islands Forum and it is meant to be used for positive engagements for good governance. Fiji should not use the MSG sub-group for it own self-interest as it would undermine the solidarity and unity of the Pacific Islands Forum. Fiji should communicate with all neighbouring countries, rather than focusing on the Melanesian countries as this could be divisive for the Pacific region,” Rev Yabaki said.

“We call on the Fiji government to ensure that the people of Fiji will not suffer because of its deteriorating relationship with regional partners and neighbours. We are further concerned that the progressive development plans made under the Charter process have faced serious setbacks,” Rev Yabaki said.

CCF calls on the Forum Island Countries to remain committed to dialogue with Fiji as the current impasse could seriously damage regional cooperation and hurt the people of Fiji. Fiji is still an important partner in regional cooperation and constructive engagement could be discussed at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting to be held in Port Vila next month.

ENDS

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