It was certainly not love at first sight, they hated each other for years, but for several months now they have been seeing an unusual amount of each other, and we were all left wondering when an engagement notice might be expected. It seems that when Chaudhry's earlier courtship with Voqere Baimarama foundered, the disappointed Mahendra turned his attention to his earlier rival Laisenia. And it's now official. FijiLive reports the couple have sent a "joint letter" (sic!) to the PM asking him to be best man.
Read more...
At first sight things look promising. Chaudhry and Qarase seem to have accepted the need for electoral reform, or at least that the issue be discussed but with no "prejudice to outcomes." They will participate in a reconvened Dialogue Forum, to meet this month, but only on their terms, one of which is the immediate lifting of the Emergency Regulations that would see "freedom of the press" restored. The Forum must focus on holding elections before October 2010 at the latest, and all issues must be finalised by this October. Meanwhile, a caretaker government must be appointed and the military return to Barracks.
What's new? Very little. Perhaps the mention of "constitutional safeguards to hold elected governments accountable and ensure good governance." But are they asking this of the 1997 Constitution that has already failed to offer these safeguards? There's no mention of a new Constitution that Bainimarama wants. There's not even mention of the People's Charter that's about much more than elections, or the many reforms Bainimarama has set in motion. It's not difficult to guess how Baimarama responded. He'll have seen it for what it is: at the best, a publicity stunt; at the worst, a way of perpetuating unrest and deferring real dialogue.
But it's a good political move by Qarase and Chaudhry. Bainimarama will appear to many to have refused a real "olive branch," and they can pose virtuously before the world's cameramen -- holding hands.
.
Click here for FijiLive article.
1 comment:
Another marriage of convenience.We have seen many,eg Rambo/Reddy. Fiji is better off w/o these two. They have done their bit, thanks very much for that. Please bow out gracefully. Fiji needs young and non-polarised leaders to take us into the future. Be wary of this pair. As the saying goes: "Cant beat them, join them". They finally realised that "the ship" is not turning back and that the radar is locked on.
Post a Comment