Fiji Youth for Democracy Critical Over Regime Promises

Fiji Youth for Democracy Critical Over Interim Regime's Promises of Return to Democracy

Fiji Youth for Democracy (FYD) expresses grave concern over the recent political and constitutional developments led by Fiji’s interim Regime, specifically in the advertising of assets and liabilities of officials of Political Parties, pursuant to the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) (Amendment) Decree 11 of 2013. The Regime's  highly publicised efforts and statements to take Fiji forward to a transparent election in 2014 hinges on the survival of Political parties.   

“It’s really concerning to see that parties are trying to be accountable and comply with the government’s decrees only to be told that by doing so they need to pay such exuberant costs, at the very least, Political parties should have been given the freedom to negotiate prices and choose a media outlet suitable to their individual financial positions” FYD says.  

FYD believes that political parties are crucial for long-term political development in transitioning societies like Fiji. Political parties form a critical institution for societies transitioning to a healthy democracy. Without well-functioning parties, governments and legislatures will have little chance of representing the wider society in a meaningful and effective way. Parties form the bridge between government and society, both in the ways they translate society’s demands into political ideas and programs, and in the way they hold government to account on society’s behalf.

While FYD is trying to reach out to young Fijians to be critically informed on their civil and political rights, and initiating information sessions that would allow this process to occur, such progressions can and will raise concerns amongst young people on Fiji’s return to democracy.

“Witnessing the struggles that political parties are enduring in their efforts to comply with the new registration requirements simply reiterates the disinterested feeling  among young people in Fiji when it comes to actively, politically informing and engaging in the whole process”, FYD further remarks.

Fiji Youth for Democracy continues to call for a democratic process towards elections in 2014. Where young people are able to see genuine movements by the interim Regime, to safeguard a future where there is sustainable and vibrant democracy for all.

ENDS

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