Fiji's route

Route Ahead: the way out of the swamp for Fij

May 3, 2008

By Michael Field

Fiji’s Military Government is on the verge of an ignominious defeat.

Voreqe Bainimarama’s ammunition is running out and he has no reserves. The nation’s souls are weary and anxious about what happens next.

Defeat will be disaster; poverty and despair will follow.

In the anarchistic mess, there will be many seeking revenge; bloodshed and race will dominate the nation for a decade or more.

The country needs a way out. The “People’s Charter” is nothing more than a military fatwa propped up by self-interested souls who see gain for themselves - paid on the inflated invoices they submit.

The way out now is for those who have led the coup to act decently, act in the wider interest, and step aside. To do that they need, in exchange, a promise of immunity.

This concept - immunity - is crucial.

The key players know they have committed crimes ranging from treason to uttering false oaths; others before them are serving jail time for doing exactly what they have done. Fear of this fate has paralysed them and they are now committed to a do-or-die approach,dragging Fiji down with them.

This is the Route Ahead: unlike the backers of the People’s Charter, I offer it at no charge. No extravagant consultancy fees, no endless all expense paid conferences.

Route Ahead

The interim government resigns immediately.

President Josefa Iloilo orders the 2006 elected Parliament to be convened to pass an immunity act to be later incorporated in a modified constitution.

Constitutional immunity for Iloilo, Voreqe Bainimarama, Mahendhra Chaudhry, Aziz Sayed-Khaiym and the “ministers” of the illegally sworn in interim government.

Iloilo dissolves Parliament upon the completion of that action and then appoints an interim executive leadership appointed made up of the president, the re-appointed vice president, the head of the Great Council of Chiefs and the head of the public service. The 2006 elected prime minister, former leader of the opposition Mick Beddoes and 2006 elected finance minister also serve. It must hold its meetings in public and decisions made on a simple majority vote with President holding casting vote.

Military pension and retirement for Bainimarama, in return for his agreement to leave Suva.

Sitiveni Rabuka make a statement of regret to the nation for establishing the coup culture and a direct, personal apology to Chaudhry

Chaudhry, in return for immunity, retires on an MP’s pension.

Leading Republic of Fiji Military Force figures who played a role in the December 5, 2006, coup - notably senior officers Aziz, Driti and Taleni be dismissed from the service, without court martial. They can have a standard RFMF/FNPF pension.

Disband the charter group

Resignations of self-appointed Acting Chief Justice and fellow senior judges involved in the January 2007 conspiracy to remove the legal Chief Justice. Immunity from prosecution in exchange for pensions.

Restoration of Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi as vice president.

A limited state of emergency; police to lead.

RFMF confined to barracks

Pacific Forum asked for urgent, limited, unarmed police assistance. Australian and New Zealand unarmed military invited to provide urgent technical assistance to ensure essential services continue to operate in the interim; no role in policing or governance.

Limited general elections as soon as practicable; MPs elected on a first pass the post basis in existing electorates for one term only of two years. They will be charged primarily with preparing the country for a new constitution and electoral system.

A Truth and Reconciliation Commission convened by the President. Leading members of the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths be invited to contribute a member. It will be chaired by an eminent international figure selected by consensus. It will have full powers of subpoena and be staffed with legal advisers

- To report on all corruption since independence; in exchange for full and frank testimony, and reconciliation and restitution, witnesses will be granted immunity.

- The Commission will seek accounts of racial harmony and disharmony, with the aim to end the whispering culture that scars Fiji race relations.

- The role, purpose, politics and economics of the RFMF examined, with frank discussion on whether they are continue, given their prominent role in all Fiji coups.

- Examine the role of the Fiji Human Rights Commission in the 2006 coup.

A legal commission into the constitution, along with an associated commission into modified electoral systems, voting methods and boundaries. It will explore the creation of a constitutionally mandated multicultural presidency.

An internationally convened legal review of the judiciary and their role in the 2006 coup.

A UN supervised national referendum on an agreed electoral system; 60 percent approval required.

General elections under the new rules.

Reconstitute the GCC and the Senate to appoint a new president and vice president.

Mount peace and restoration missions to Pacific neighbours.

A national conference on land and race, to be followed by national Christian, Hindu and Muslim acts of reconciliation.