January 3, 2008

By Michael Field 

Fiji's commitment to democratic elections by March next year looks frail after military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama issued new reservations.

In a New Year message he warned neighbouring countries, without naming them, not to hinder his plans to create a "people's charter" that proposes to radically reshape Fiji politics and override the constitution.

He told the nation a "new dawn" was breaking.

"I have a vision of Fiji once again being called the way the world should be, but only this time it will have more meaning and truly be the envy of the world," he said.

Fiji tourism used to use the slogan "the way the world should be" but after two Sitiveni Rabuka coups in 1987 and the 2000 George Speight led coup it was only used derisively.

In a Fijian television broadcast Commodore Bainimarama underscored the military's domination of power and asserted that ministers in the government he overthrew who had criminal convictions would not be allowed to contest any further election.

In December 2006 his forces overthrew the democratic the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. At last year's Pacific forum in Tonga he promised fellow heads of government that elections would be held by March next year, but he soon after qualified it by saying that parties like the SDL would not be allowed to run if they had "racist policies".

Speaking on Fiji Television this week, the commodore said SDL ministers with previous convictions would not be allowed to contest the elections.

Several ministers and senior members were linked with George Speight's 2000 coup while Vice President Jope Seniloli was eventually convicted for his role.

Commodore Bainimarama said mechanisms in the People's Charter would be in place that would disqualify convicted people.

Deposed Fiji Affairs Minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who has a 2000 coup conviction, denounced the commodore.

''Who is he to judge?" he told Suva media.

"He cannot force the charter on the people. The charter is illegal and can only be made legal by a Parliament. As far as I'm concerned the constitution is still supreme.''

He pointed to the military appointed Finance Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry.

''Chaudhry was convicted for manslaughter in 1978 in a hit-and-run road accident. Will Bainimarama, if he plans to disqualify people like me, also disqualify Chaudhry?'' he said.

Commodore Bainimarama listed his achievements in his New Year's message, led by his claim that the military had arrested the decline in state finances.

More important was the way they were thinking "outside the box" and questioning traditional ways.

"This I believe has been a major accomplishment."

The country was ready to go to a new level.

"It may be a level we have not thought about or even imagined but this is because we have been prevented from getting to it in the past because of unscrupulous leaders and politicians who have never thought of the nation of Fiji but only of themselves and their political ambitions."

Without citing countries and names the Commodore claimed there were many inside and out of Fiji who did not want the country to progress. If people worked together progress was possible.

"We must be allowed to progress the Peoples Charter, without hindrance from within or outside Fiji and with the participation of all," he said.

Copyright: Michael Field