Dialogue Geared at Restoring Democracy
The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) welcomes the call by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for Fiji’s Interim Government to urgently confirm its readiness to resume a dialogue process. In the statement (26/09/09), CMAG reiterated that the Commonwealth was willing to remain engaged with Fiji in support of any good faith efforts towards the restoration of democracy, including the facilitation of a credible political dialogue process, in accordance with fundamental Commonwealth principles.
“CCF urges the Interim Government to commence a nation wide dialogue process earlier rather than later because political power is liable to become corrupt and abusive without the guiding instruments of parliamentary democracy,” CCF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rev Akuila Yabaki said. CCF is aware that a dialogue process had also been envisioned in the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress (PCCPP), where it is stated that, “Our nation is in urgent need of genuine, trust-based dialogue and peace building for which qualities of humility, compassion, honesty and openness to other views and interests are essential.
Engaging in a political dialogue process such as the PPDF, would show a true commitment to restoring constitutional democracy, rule of law and human rights in Fiji,” Rev Yabaki said. CCF is hopeful that once underway, a credible political dialogue process would examine the communal race-based voting system in Fiji, and discuss the possible abolishment of race-based policies and electoral campaigns.
Rev Akuila Yabaki
Chief Executive Officer
For further information, contact CCF on ph: 3308379 or fax: 3308380. www.ccf.org.fj
Comment
I agree with Akuila subject to the provisos spelt out in my comments in (o+) Why UN and Commonwealth Demands Not Good for Fiji. Dialogue is urgently needed but, if the SDL, FLP and similar groupings are to be included, they must put their cards on the table first. What are their visions for a happier Fiji?
2 comments:
I am sorry. It is hardly conceivable that either the SDL, FLP or indeed any other Fiji-based political party would "put their cards on the table". This is something that politicians in Fiji are not up to. Why would or should they change their mindset? They everything through the veil of self-interest and 'playing the game'. That's right: a GAME. There is no seriousness in their sight about the future: theirs or anyone else's. It is all a game to be played for personal advantage. Why would any of them have chosen to think or do otherwise? So, it is purely wishful thinking that a dialogue could be mounted which would benefit the ordinary people. This should be considered before more time and monies are wasted.
When we were clearly heading for a coup from January 2006, where were these politicians? It was then that we needed dialogue. The fact is that whenever attempts were made to engage Qarase, he reneged from the course he had agreed to, and did everything possible to neutralize the Commander so that dialogue became frustrated? Why should the people of Fiji trust him or any of the politicians now when they have so spectacularly failed them in Fiji's hour of coup-threatened need?
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