Court decision must lead to democratic elections

Labour Leader Phil Goff says that while Pacific countries might have hoped that the Court of Appeal decision declaring Fiji’s Interim Government unlawful would lead the government there to restore democracy, early actions by the President suggests this will not happen.

“The message from the Court of Appeal is clear. A government imposed by military coup has no democratic or lawful mandate,” Phil Goff said.

“The court decision should be used by Fiji not to entrench its military regime but as an opportunity to again become a part of the Pacific and democratic community.

“The early statement by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo that elections would be five years away is a cause for concern. Rather than revoke the constitution and sack the judiciary Fiji needs to re-engage with the Pacific Forum and Commonwealth around steps needed to hold elections as soon as possible.

“Fiji must break out of the coup culture which has plagued it since 1987. To do that it needs to establish a consensus across its communities around a constitution which ensures both democratic procedures and respect for the rights of all its citizens,” he said.

“New Zealand can play a constructive role by working with Fiji and through the Fijian community in New Zealand to help ensure that happens.

“Entrenching a military government can only mean continuing and deepening problems for Fiji politically, socially and economically.

“We all hope in the meantime that calm will be maintained in Fiji to ensure the security of its citizens and visitors to that country including New Zealanders,” Phil Goff said

ENDS

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