Abrogation of the 1997 constitution tragic

[posted 10 April 2009,1600]

The Fiji Labour Party has termed as "tragic and highly unfortunate" the abrogation of the 1997 constitution by His Excellency the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, this morning.

In a brief statement this afternoon, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the abrogation meant that the return to democracy and parliamentary rule would be inevitably delayed.

"The FLP reiterates its stand that the fundamentals of good governance, electoral reforms and a decisive move away from divisive race based policies (which have been the root cause of most of this young nation's ills since 1987) must be addressed before free and fair elections can be held.

"Clearly, a coherent and holistic foundation needs to be set to take this country to the next elections and parliamentary democracy based on the principles of equal suffrage, inclusivity and good governance.

"The FLP calls on His Excellency the President to move swiftly and appoint an interim government, as suggested by the Court of Appeal, and take all necessary action as practicable to ensure that critical State organs such as the judiciary and civil service continue to function.

"All basic human rights, freedoms and other civil and political rights as well as the safety and security of all our citizens must remain paramount.

The FLP also calls on His Excellency the President to expedite the political dialogue forum and abridge the time for elections from his stated five years as Fiji cannot sustain such a long delay in return to parliamentary rule," said Mr Chaudhry.