(-) Electoral Reform Not About Racial Justice: Narsey

USP's Professor Wadan Narsey has an article on this topic in Pacific Scoop, and a second instalment is to follow.

I believe some of his analysis and deductions are flawed, and shall argue along these lines when his second instalment is published.

Fiji's future political alternatives need to be publicly debated in Fiji's media, and not be limited to blogs and websites published from overseas. Unless Government is privy to information not generally known, the Emergency Regulations need to be lifted and the President's Political Dialogue Forum reconvened very soon. How else can there be constructive feedback on the Government's intended reforms? Meanwhile, check out Wadan's argument. Photo: USP.

IF DEMOCRACY IS ABOUT VOTING, WHY HAVE YOU NOT VOTED?
SEE LEFTHAND COLUMN -- PUBLIC POLLS ON FIJI'S POLITICAL SITUATION, AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS BLOG?

(-+) Brij Lal’s Speech that Could have Been

Thanks once again to Coupfourpointfive, this time for publishing the address Prof. Brij Lal would have given to the Accountants' Conference had Government not decreed otherwise. Its publication by at least two blogs supports a point made in his speech: “The whole exercise of controlling speech is futile and self-defeating.” To read the full address on the topic of ‘Fiji and the International Community: Acceptance or Isolation: Are these the only choices?’ click here.

Summary

On Fiji's relations with the international community, his main points were: Fiji cannot go it alone; Australia, the EU and New Zealand want to help but need evidence of “progress” from Fiji; China's interests in Fiji are limited. “Many initiatives contemplated by the interim administration [IG] are praiseworthy, and I have no doubt that there would be a meeting of minds on many of them. That is why there is an urgent need of tact and diplomacy.”

He thought the situation had deteriorated sharply since April 10^th The Constitution has gone. The political dialogue process has ceased. “There is now no pretence about finding a solution to Fiji’s political problems in a timely fashion, in consultation with its friends in the regional and the international community. Fiji is now telling the world: we will find solutions to Fiji’s problems on our own terms, in our own time …. we are the guys who are on the right side of history; we are doing the right thing; why doesn’t the world understand us? “

On where Fiji should go from here, he said elections must be held earlier than 2014 if Fiji is to win international support. He agrees that elections alone will not solve Fiji's problems but asks what kind of political culture the Government want to create. He says a non-racial electoral system will not remove race as a factor in politics. He thinks the military want a permanent place in politics, and that their “utopia” will delay elections long after 2014. He says the Government should spell out what is wrong with the 1997 Constitution. He thought the Constitution’s compulsory power-sharing provision addressed “the most fundamental problem that has beset Fiji since the inception of party politics in 1966” in that it enabled one community, the Indo-Fijians, to share power. He said the Constitution was partly based on “‘Consociationalism … a grand coalition of elites representing different segments of society...”

My Comments

Brij blames the deteriorating situation on the Interim Government alone. No mention is made of the role of Australia and NZ, the Fiji media, the “Qarase” faction, and others who constantly placed obstructions in the IG's path.

Elections are not held to satisfy the international community. Fiji will only hold elections (hopefully before 2014) when the system under which they are to be held is decided upon, and when race has been removed as the factor. The Government has made quite clear the “political culture” it wants to create.

Brij continues to see Fiji's problems in purely racial terms. The 1997 Constitution was an improvement on the decidedly racist 1991 Constitution, but the Great Council of Chief's provision, the reinforcement of race by its electoral provisions, and the parliamentary “power sharing” provision effectively deprived Fiji of a parliamentary Opposition, need revisiting. True, future modifications were expected, but none occurred in the next ten years. His “grand coalition of elites” is based on racial “segments of society.” Fiji is, and can be, “segmented” in many more ways.

I do, however, share Brij's and many other people's concern about the never-ending role of the military in Fiji's politics. I also sometimes doubt their real intentions but, for the moment, they have the benefit of my doubt.

In sum, Brij warns of everything that has, and can, go wrong. Wisely so, perhaps, but we already know most of them. He supports an agenda rejected by the Interim government. I would like him to have proposed some new ideas on the “way forward.” Perhaps a hypothetical redrafting of the 1997 Constitution, with the benefit of hindsight, or the drafting of a new Constitution that would win wide support? Photo: Fiji Times.

(oB) To-morrow 9th April : Too Many Big Question Marks

Matters seem to be coming to a head  in Fiji, and tomorrow may tell us which way they are heading. 

First, former USP and current ANU academic, Dr Jon Fraenkel, has caste doubts about whether the Interim Government is genuine about holding elections, a view shared by others in and out of Fiji. Events tomorrow may provide an answer to this question.

Second, Bainimarama has put four conditions on the attendance of the SDL, UPP, NFP and the NVTP parties at tomorrow's meeting of political leaders. The Fiji Times says that two of the conditions include "reform of the communal system of voting and not dealing with 'partisan media'." The exclusion of these parties would make the meeting totally unrepresentative.

Third, National Federation Party's Pramod Rae has reminded the Interim Government it has only until May 1 to set the date for an election that must be held by the end of the year, or face "targetted measures" by the PI Forum.  

Fourth, January's PI Forum meeting in Port Moresby* recognized "long-term issues that need to be addressed in Fiji, including ...  independent and inclusive political dialogue; but that such dialogue must be primarily focused on the holding of elections. The dialogue process should not be the cause for further delay in holding elections." 

Fifth, the IG has made it repeatedly clear that it will proceed with the processes leading up to the President's Political Dialogue Forum (which include tomorrow's meeting) and will not be coerced to hold elections before the electoral system has been changed.

So, what do we have?  An IG that insists on political reforms (to abolish race-based electorates) before holding elections; an opposition that stands to lose by those reforms (although some timed compromise may be possible);  a meeting to set the stage for the discussion of these issues (to which the opposition may be excluded); and the PI Forum and several western governments insisting on agreement by all political stakeholders and early elections before reforms -- or else. 

The situation may be further aggravated (the timing could not be worse!) by the decision of the Fiji Court of Appeal on the legitimacy or otherwise of the President's action appointing the Interim Government. The Court's decision, which must anger one or the other party,  is expected tomorrow. If the IG is deemed illegal, and former PM Qarase carries out his promise to advise the President to formally dissolve (the old) Parliament and convene early elections, "all hell could break loose."  Neither party, whatever it may now say, is likely to accept a contrary decision without protest. And this is putting it mildly.

The situation seems headed towards a meeting of the proverbial immovable force with an irresistable object.   We can only (once again) hope, pray and cross our hearts and fingers, that wise heads will prevail and the collision is averted.   -- Crosbie Walsh.

_____________________________________

* Click on "Background Material" in the lefthand column to read the PI Forum Port Moresby communique, and the Biketawa Declaration to which it refers. In part,  the communique  "Called on the Interim Government to take the following actions to demonstrate its commitment to the restoration of parliamentary democracy in Fiji: (i) provide to Forum Leaders a new timetable agreed with all key political stakeholders, specifying in detail the agreed steps to elections and a return to democracy, and the timing for completing them, reflecting a consensus reached through a genuine, open, inclusive dialogue without threats, preconditions, ultimatums or predetermined outcomes; (ii) make a clear commitment that any reforms agreed through political dialogue will be implemented in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Fiji; (iii) undertake and sustain serious and credible election preparations, including allocation of necessary resources to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, and the prompt preparation of the electoral roll; and (iv) make a renewed commitment that the military will withdraw from civilian politics following such an election, return to barracks, and submit to the authority of the elected civilian government in accordance with the Constitution." 

(o) What's Going On, Commander?

For the second time, as we approach a Political Party Leaders' Forum, the Interim Government huffs and puffs about excluding majority opposition parties because they continue to make anti-Government statements. Of course they do. What else can be expected from the aggrieved parties?

Speaking in Fijian to Radio Fiji yesterday, Cdre Bainimarama said the military council has advised him to exclude the SDL, NFP, UPP and certain NGOs from Thursday's meeting, adding that they "should not be part of the meeting."

I've no ideas what this charade is supposed to convey. Could Bainimarama and the military think they gain public support, or throw dust into their opponents' eyes, by this posturing, knowing all along that if they don't admit the opposition groups, the meeting itself -- and the President's Political Dialogue Forum which follows -- is turned into a charade. Or has the hoopla been "ordered" by the media? Whatever. Fiji could do without it.

Forum co-ordinator Jone Dakuvula said all parties would be present at the Forum. I sincerely hope so!

(o) Robin Nair: Getting to the Main Game

Robin Nair offers his views on why the main politicial parties appear to be going along with the proposals put forward by Cdre Bainimarama at the Political Party Leaders' Forum. Click here.

Speculation Elections in November-December, and Other Stories

The NZ DominionPost reports (2 March):  "Fiji's military regime is quietly moving towards general elections for later this year despite public utterances by dictator Voqere Bainimarama rejecting regional calls for an urgent return to democracy, sources in Suva say.  Growing speculation around a November-December election was reinforced by a statement that he had been looking at Indian voting machines this week."  [One really does wonder about the sources for these stories and why no effort is made to check their reliability. Any news is better than no news?  Note also the "unbiased" choice of words!]

Col. Pita Driti continues with his warnings about who will not be allowed to participate in the President's Political Dialogue Forum.  His most recent "victim" is former SDL MP and HotBread owner Mere Samisoni who he accused of supporting the 2000 Speight Coup. She had delivered bread to the coup-makers for which she said they paid.  I suspect Mere did support the coup, which she denies, but Col. Driti, with respect, how come you decide who will attend?  Very moderate statements are needed from all parties as we head into the Forum landing. 

This advice also applies to  SDL Director Peceli Kinivuwai who has laid the blame for Greater Suva's worsening water supply on the Interim Government. Secretary for Information Neuma Leweni correctly accused him of trying to get political traction from a long standing problem. The water pipes were laid over 40 years ago and have been irregularly maintained as Suva's population more than trebled. Speaking on World Consumer Day in 2004, when Greater Suva used 150 million litres of water daily, former PM Qarase noted leaks responsible for 15-25% water loss in Greater Suva and close to 50% nationally. It was hoped to reduce this to 30% by 2007. Hardly the fault of the Interim Government! (Walsh Fiji: an Encylopaedic Atlas 2006: 184)

Some 18 political parties have submitted suggestions for the 15 NGOs that will be represented at the President's Political Dialogue Forum.The Interim PM will make the final selection.

FHRC Shaista Shameen has been elected chairperson of the UN Working Group investigating the employment of military mercenaries.

The Court has issued a stay order, deferring the introduction of a compulsory retirement age of 50 for public servants.

The Fiji Island Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has launched its own website www.ficac.org.fj Some 29 charges have been laid but to date there's only been one conviction.

(o) Comment: What Fiji Needs is a Real "Period of Silence"

There's a pattern in Fiji kick-boxing. In each round one side (or the other) says something to which the other side reacts. Reaction follows reaction, until most gaskets are blown, exhaustion sets in -- and then it starts all over again. Nothing very new is said in these exchanges, no one modifies their previous position, no one feels any better, friends and enemies remain unchanged, and Fiji is not a better or happier or safer place. But that's the way it is as attitudes harden. In Fiji. In late March 2009. Over two years since December 2006. 

 

It's often difficult to identify the original  triggering comment because everyone's "luggage" is carried forward from the previous round. This week, if we take repeated finger-pointing against the military (as those behind the fire-bombings) as the starting point, Col. Pita Driti (photo) fired back with  threats to ban the SDL, NFP and certain NGO's from  Forum participation and close down the Fiji Times. "There is no place in the Forum for people who want to take Fiji backwards," he said, calling the repeated criticisms of the military and IG "incitement" and a threat to national security. 

 "...all the military is trying to do is  prevent Fiji fall(ing) into the abyss of lawlessness and disorder with mass genocides, ethnic cleansing and battle between warlords, let alone civil war now that is a national security angle that I am speaking from on behalf of the military as the final bastion of law and order". [Hey,where is this place? Ruanda? Bosnia? Afghanistan?] 

He was supported by acting PM Ratu Epeli Ganilau in more moderate words: "By criticising the media [Driti] is looking at what the media can influence in ensuring there is a stable and secure environment in the way they report ... If it is biased, obviously that has security implications that can create an atmosphere that will be inevitably hostile as we progress."

NFP president Raman Pratap Singh launched the first counter-attack, calling Driti's remarks "uncalled for". Mike Beddoes and Laisinea Qarase said they would comment later (and they did!). Media Council chairman Darryl Tarte (who earlier had said IG and military views were fairly reported) said he was unaware of any complaint.  "I thought the interim Prime Minister said they uphold media freedom as provided in the Constitution so how come Driti is talking about closing down the biggest media organisation in the country?" Fiji Women's Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali asked on what authority is Driti threatening NGOs and political parties.  Driti told her to "stop getting involved in politics  (sic!) ... concentrate on tackling the rise in sex related offences, and stop blaming the events of December 2006 for the increasing statistics."

Rati Epeli and Darryl Tarte spoke reasonably, but you don't need to be very clever to see that all this gets Fiji absolutely nowhere. The only "wise" words in the whole round appeared to come from Col. Driti who called for a "period of silence ... to ensure the political Forum is successful."  I thought for one brief moment he'd seen a blinding light on the road to Nabua. But I was wrong. Insert the words "from the politicians and NGOs" between the ellipses ( ...) Only the IG's opponents were to be silent. 

Take your seats, ladies and gentlemen. The next round is about to commence. -- Crosbie Walsh [Based on items culled from all Fiji online newspapers.] 

Last Week in Fiji: Third Week of March

The week started with two minor parties insulting PNG's Sir Rabbie Namaliu and ended with molotov cocktail attacks on two homes. The rays of hope from the previous week's Political Party Leaders' meeting were soon blotted out as Fiji A and Fiji B again took turns to bat on a heavily trampled field with no umpires. 

Postings

Wed.18th.  "They're At It Again. This Time Sir Rabbie".  Two minor parties,  the CAMV and the General Voters' Party, criticized the nomination of PNG's Sir Rabbie Namaliu as chair of the PPDF, calling him a puppet to white Australia and New Zealand. PNG took offence and Sir Rabbie withdrew his nomination. Later, Mahendra Chaudhry siad he hoped Sir Rabbie would reconsider. The incident was aggrevated, if not caused, by poor reporting by the media. Sir Rabbie had been nominated, not appointed. PNG thought the Interim Government had made the remarks when in fact they had  nominated Sir Rabbie,who appeared to have the support of all except CAMV and GVP.  I saw it as an early attempt to derail the Political Party Leaders meetings and future PPDF.

Friday 20th. "An Apt and Wise Old Song (for Fiji Just Now)." I posted the blog's first song, Bing Crosby's  1940s "You've got to accentuate the positive/ Eliminate the negative/ Latch on to the affirmative/Don't mess with Mister In-Between."

Sun. 22nd. "Fom Stones to Rocks to Molotov Cocktails" commented on attacks on the cars and homes of Sakuisa Raivoce and Netani Rika. The Fiji, foreign media and IG opponents claimed they were political intimidation; hinted strongly that the military was involved; some accused the police of not taking the attacks seriously, and all demanded the IG condemn the attacks (which they did the following day).  I criticized intrepretations put on the stone and molotov cocktail events, and was criticized in return (see below).

Letters Between Two Friends

Dear Croz, One needs to separate Fiji media’s incompetence and malignance (towards the Interim Government) from the acts of political intimidation that are manifested by the stone-throwing vandals. The fact that the police have not been able to apprehend a single person after more than half dozen such acts does not reflect the ‘hands’ of those trying to discredit the government. There is a nasty underbelly to the IG that one needs to recognize!  Bhaiya*.

Dear Bhaiya,  I agree I didn't do a particularly good job in separating media shortcomings from the stone-thowing although, of course, in condeming both, I do recognize their difference. But I'll have to stick with my views on the stone-throwing. We can all agree the attacks were cowardly and criminal, but whatever many people may think, there is as yet no evidence that they were politically motivated, or carried out by the military or the "nasty underbelly" of the Interim Government -- and there may never be. They could just as well have been carried out by the IG's opponents. Your point that the Interim Government has a "nasty underbelly" is probably true, but so too does its opposition.  Not all of them were jailed with Speight after the 2000 Coup. Ironically, unless the culprits are caught,  the Government will be blamed whoever conducted the attacks. 

The media continues to report opinions and assumptions as facts, which are then used by its opponents to attack the Interim Government. The IG should be held to its word on reforms and progress towards elections, and checked when it acts wrongly. But the media should also be held more responsible.  Publishing one IG statement to  six anti-IG statements is not "balance.  And those with vested interests in opposing the Government -- who stand to gain most if it fails in its objectives -- should not be allowed to posture as democrats and upholders of the law. 

If well-meaning people in Fiji do not distinguish between opinion, assumption and fact, and do not look at all possibilities, the Interim Government is likely to be damned if it did -- and damned if it didn't. Kind regards, Croz.

The fallout from the molotov cocktail incidents continued into the next week, and demands the IG condemn the attacks continued long after they had done so. * Not his real name.

(+) They're At It Again. This Time Sir Rabbie

Comment.

Hardly had I posted an item on the stoning of Attar Singh's car (in which I raised the outside possibility that it could have been by anti-Interim Government supporters seeking to embarrass the IG and derail the PPDF) when a a further development gave support to my "outside possibility."

In a feature, "PM's Office in Damage Control as PNG Queries Insults," the Fiji Times reports anger in PNG after it was reported the "[Fiji] interim administration rubbished the integrity of former PNG prime minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu after rejecting him to be chief mediator at the upcoming President's Political Dialogue Forum."

Jone Dakuvula, the Forum Coordinator, having earlier refuted media reports that Sir Rabbie had been appointed as chief mediator ("no such decision   ...the matter is still to be decided by the political parties meeting on April 9") NOW had to deny the latest misinformation. In fact, he said, it was the IG that had recommended Sir Rabbie to the Commonwealth.The PM had made no comment about Sir Rabbie, either at the meeting or publicly to any news media in Fiji. 

"The misreporting of this matter by the news media in Fiji is entirely due to the activities of some persons who leaked confidential information from the UN and the Commonwealth Secretariat."He labelled the accusations "mischievous" and threatening to long-standing good relations with PNG. 

In a press conference on Tuesday, PNG's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and Foreign Minister Sam Abal had slammed reports that Fijian politicians had labelled Sir Rabbie as a "puppet of Australia and New Zealand". 

Meanwhile in Fiji, in a not very well timed move -- given that the media is implicated in all the leaks and misinformation concerning last Friday's meeting  -- anti-IG NGOCHR chairperson Virisila Buadromo called for an end to media intimidation in Fiji by the interim government.

One might ask who is trying to intimidate who?  Who spread this malicious information? Why the car stoning?  And most important: why such acts now, just as progress was seen to be made at last Friday's meeting?  

It does not stretch the imagination to suppose these acts aim to strengthen the hands of the Interim Government detractors, derail the PPDF, and tip the political balance to their advantage. Whether they are the result of a string of unco-ordinated events or a well organized campaign we do not yet know. But it is beyond belief that they are acts instigated or condoned by the Interim Government.  Someone else is "at it" again.  -- Crosbie Walsh.

STOP PRESS

Fiji Live reports (19 March 2009) Sir Rabbie Namaliu has withdrawn his name from the list of candidates proposed to chair the President’s Political Dialogue Forum (PPDF) after it was reported "Fiji's political parties (sic!) called him a puppet of Australia and NZ."  In fact, only two minor parties of the 19 attending the meeting were involved. They were the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua (an ultra-extremist ethnic Fijian nationalist party) and the General Voters Party (one of two small parties representing "other races").  Neither party had a seat in the old parliament.  [Sir Rabbie's withdrawal is a setback for the PPDF and national reconciliation. Their statements, thanks to the media, had the desired effect.] 

Who Dunnit? Attar Singh's Car

All major English-medium newspapers ran articles on last week's night-time stoning of Attar Singh's car. All those invited to comment by the media (except Government spokesman Major Neumi Leweni) called upon the Interim Government and the Police to condemn this and other recent similar actions. The attacks would seem, as Mike Beddoes told the Fiji Sun, to be the work of "elements linked or sympathetic to the Interim Government."

The Police said the enquiry was especially difficult: it was dark and there were few witnesses.

Major Leweni said, "The Interim Government does not need to be told what to do." But I'm afraid it does, if it does or says nothing. The DepSec. of Information could have approved, condemned, or said he would respond later. The one thing he could not do was not answer the question. This could --and no doubt has-- been taken as approval. Showing no knowledge of (civilian) tactics, he has played straight into the hands of the IG's opponents.

Other comments included:

SDL party NatDir. Peceli Kinivuwai:
"The attacks are...typical of police states with no respect for law and order ... The incident is clearly part of a systematic campaign of intimidation aimed at critics of the interim regime,” Fiji Daily Post.

Former parliamentary Opposition leader, Mike Beddoes:
"... despicable and cowardly and was counter productive to the successful outcome of the President’s Political Dialogue Forum meeting last week ... the attacks were not random and come after similar incidents against Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika, unionist Kenneth Zinck and other known figures who have openly expressed their views against the military-backed government." Fiji Sun.

CCF ExecDir.Rev. Akuila Yabaki:
“The attacks are following a clear trend, targeting a particular group of civil society members members who may possess similar views on democracy ... Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama should condemn these attacks as a matter of priority and assure civil society members of their safety.” Fiji Live.

Movement for Democracy Fiji DepChair., Emitai Boladuadua:
"The Movement will not be intimidated by those who use the cover of darkness to terrorise families of known advocates of democracy, human rights and rule of law in the country." Fiji Times.

My Comments

There would seem to be three possible lines of enquiry:

1. The attacks are by persons with pro-IG links. This seems the most probable explanation. If correct, I'd want to know whether they were officially approved (which seems most unlikely) or if anyone in Government or the military knows or suspects who these misguided culprits might be.

2. The attacks are not politically motivated. They were conducted by the same (or by different groups of) vandals for "kicks." This seems the least likely explanation but it should not be discarded too early.

3. The attacks are by persons with anti-Government links seeking to gain political mileage for acts which the public will --incorrectly-- blame the Government.

This last possibility is the least likely but the tactic has been used many times before throughout the world. Perhaps the most infamous example was when the Nazis set fire to the Reichstag (German parliament) and successfully passed the blame to their main opponents at the time, the Communists. The Nazis gained, and the Communists lost, public support.

If I were a Government adviser, I would immediately condemn these attacks, and do everything I could to bring the culprits to justice, starting with an enquiry among my supporters.

I would also ask why now? Could it have something to do with the PPDF? Who stands to gain most by these actions at this time? Surely it is NOT the Interim Government.

(G) Statement on Pramod Rae "Leak" by Jone Dakuvula

See my earlier posting "How to Stir the Pot by Pramod Rae"

"The person that has provided information to Fiji Live of the names of those recommended by the Commonwealth and United Nations has dishonoured the specific request from the United Nations Secretary General and the Commonwealth Secretary General (so stated in their letter) that confidentiality must be respected by political parties and stakeholders in the political dialogue process.

It was the National Federation Party spokesman Pramod Rae who first leaked the letter of the United Nations and Commonwealth Secretary General to the media last week claiming he was legally obliged to do so and that it was in the interest of the media to know.

If this type of leakage to the news media of confidential information provided by the United Nations and Commonwealth continues, then political parties should not be surprised if the UN and Commonwealth decide to withdraw as independent mediators.

The person or political party responsible for this will then be responsible for undermining the political dialogue they have been calling for. This concern has been expressed in a letter to Political parties from the Secretariat.

Jone Dakuvula, Co-Ordinator.

POSTSCRIPT. I note the Fiji Times in reporting Mr Dakuvula's comments added the "confidential" names of the nominees. Click here

(o+) You Can't Please Everybody: Reactions to the pre-PPDF Meeting

Almost everyone (minor party GVP and CAMV party representatives excepted) seemed content with the agenda agreed upon by political leaders at Friday's Political Parties Leaders' Forum meeting. Former PM Laisenia Qarase spoke highly of the meeting. Former Opposition Leader Mike Beddoes was reported as saying the Forum went well and that everyone was presented an equal opportunity to express their views freely on all matters listed on the agenda. He added that the outcome of the Forum was significant considering how things had turned out in the past six months. Even the press was enthusiastic. "Political Leaders Find Some Common Ground" (Fiji Times); "Beddoes Happy with Forum Outcome" (Fiji Sun); "SDL Hails Political Party Meeting" (Fiji Live).

But not so the Fiji Daily Post. Its Saturday super-large front page banner headline read "No Change, No Polls". The paper went on to write about "an ultimatum issued to political leaders " ... by the Interim PM who was reported to have told the meeting that there would be no elections "if the participants failed to agree on a new electoral system." This may well be so but no reference to this statement was mentioned by any other paper; no participant mentioned it; it was not even given the status of a direct quotation by the Post; and since no journalist attended the meeting, one is left wondering what the Interim PM actually "told the meeting."And why spoil an otherwise happy day! [See "Bainimarama Urges Unity", below.]

Someone else not at the meeting, Professor Brij Lal, must have been phoned by the Fiji Sun for his comments on the agenda. The Sun (15 March) reports him as saying "This [the absence of direct reference to the military] is a glaring omission because unless the role of the military is publicly discussed, there can be no assurance of democratic rule in Fiji." I agree with him but the Constitution, that Bainimarama and many others want to see amended, was also not specifically mentioned. Those attending the meeting would ensure both topics will be discussed under item one of the agenda: The democratic experience in Fiji. [I'm wrong. It will be discussed under People's Charter.]

Prof. Lal warned a "set agenda would not be welcomed by the UN and Commonwealth, who had been requested to facilitate the PPDF. [They] will not sully their reputations by getting involved in a sullied process. The Commonwealth communiqué is clear: it wants the dialogue process to be open, transparent and unprejudiced about the final outcome. They will not come in to endorse a pre-arranged agenda," he said.

On this, I do not agree. Most agenda items are usually decided before meetings. Why should they not agree to a pre-arranged agenda? How can an agenda agreed to by all parties be "a sullied process"? The task of the UN/Commonwealth is to facilitate, not set the agenda. That is the sole responsibility of Fiji. I think Prof. Lal, presuming the worst, responded too quickly to a newspaper enquiry seeking a negative response. He could have waited until the dust had settled and a clearer, less ambiguous, view of what the agenda entailed had emerged.

Not to be outdone in "anticipatory negativity", Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Co-ordinator Shamima Ali, welcomed the decision to include 15 NGO and civil society groups in the PPDF, but then added "inclusion should not be conditional on who supports the coup and who doesn't." Fiji Times 15 March. [Of course. Why anticipate the worst?]

Bainimarama Urges Unity

Fiji Daily Post 13 March. Text in full.

Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is urging all political leaders to put their negativity aside and support the People’s Charter. Speaking at the Political Party Leaders Forum at the Parliamentary Complex in Nasese, Bainimarama called on leaders to unite and move forward. “Pointing fingers at one another and continuing to engage in the blame game is neither helpful nor constructive,” he said.“More than ever, now we must recognise that the only way to move forward is to tackle years of systematic problems by reforming. “To face our global economic challenges we must make paradigm shifts, be positive and resilient and promote equal citizenry, we must be one nation,” he added.

Bainimarama told the leaders at the forum that they must unite as one.“We must be creative and innovative to mitigate our risks and we must become self sufficient. “We can ill afford to view the situation through narrow religious, ethnic, political, personal vantage points or as advocates of foreign interests,” he said.

(o) At Last, Some Good News

CORRECTION. No one has been endorsed at the Political Parties meeting last Friday to be Chief Mediator in the political dialogue process in Fiji. This will be decided at the next Political parties meeting on April 3rd.  Sir Rabbie was one of the names proposed.

Yesterday's meeting of political leaders was the second of three that set the stage for the President's Political Dialogue Forum -- and the outcome was good. The agenda was accepted by consensus, and former PNG PM Sir Rabbie Namaliu (photo) was endorsed as chairperson by all but two minor political parties.

Fiji Live reported that former PM and Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) Party leader Laisenia Qarase "hailed the second political leaders meeting ... and described it a fruitful one ... The atmosphere of the meet was good and there was a genuine intent among leaders to come to a consensus regarding issues that have to be ironed out before an election is held.”

The only matters on which all did not agree were the Chair and the names of mediators forwarded by the UN and the Commonwealth. General Voters Party spokesman Fred Caine, questioned Sir Rabbie's appointment; doubted that mediators unknown in Fiji could play a useful role; and said the UN and CW's intention that the PPDF will finish in six months "and go straight into elections without the necessary reforms” suggested hidden agendas. Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua spokesman Ropate Sivo is reported to have said he did not want the people of Fiji to be fooled by the UN and the Commonwealth. CAMV wanted the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to facilitate the Forum meeting. [Neither of these parties had any direct representation in the old parliament but former PM Laisenia Qarase included some former members of CAMV, the most extreme of the Fijian nationalist parties, in his Government. CAMV was implicated in the 2000 "Speight" coup.] Qarase said the Interim Government also had reservations on those proposed as possible mediators.

The next meeting, on 3th April, will determine the PPDF's Terms of Reference. [Condensed from Fiji Live]

There's a long way to go. But this was a very good start.

Profile on the Chairman

Sir Rabbie Langanai Namaliu, GCL, CSM, KCMG (62) served as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea from 1988 to 1992 as leader of the Pangu Party. An ethnic Tolai from East New Britain, he is a graduate of the UPNG and Canada's University of Victoria in British Colombia. Prior to his political career he lectured in political science at the UPNG. [Based on Wikipedia.]

It's been said that Sir Rabbie is far too decent a man to enjoy long term success in PNG politics. During his term as Prime Minister (1988-1992) he was blackmailed: several members of his own PANGU party agreed to step down as ministers (PANGU at the time had a rotation of ministerial portfolios policy) but then threatened to cross the floor and vote him out unless he agreed to provide them with money for "projects" in their electorates. Later, after losing the prime ministership in the 1992 elections, he faced criminal charges over the matter but was acquitted. Sir Rabbie served for a time as Speaker of Parliament, a job he did with distinction. He was appointed foreign minister in Sir Michael Somare's third government in 2002." [Based on Australian Network News.

(G) Fiji Leaders Agree on PPDF Agenda

Fiji Live 13 March 2009. Full text.

The Democratic Experience in Fiji, Parliamentary Reform, Electoral Reform, General Election and the People’s Charter will be the agenda of the upcoming President’s Political Dialogue Forum (PDDF), it has been confirmed.Political leaders today agreed to this after their meeting at the parliamentary complex in Suva.

The meeting which ended late this afternoon agreed that while the input of the Commonwealth and UN was appreciated, Fiji must decide its own future.

It was agreed that there will be 23 representatives from the registered political parties, including the Government and membership will be as follows: Government 3, Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) 2, Fiji Labour Party (FLP) 2, New National Democratic Party (NDP) 1, Justice and Freedom party (JFP) 1, National Alliance Party of Fiji (NAPF) 1, National Federation Party (NFP) 1, United Peoples Party (UPP) 1, Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) 1, National Vanua Tako Lavo Party (NVTLP) 1, Coalition of Independent Nationals Party (COIN) 1, Social Liberal Multicultural Party (SLM) 1, Party of National Unity (PANU) 1, Party of the Truth (POTT) 1, General Voters Party (GVP) 1, Fiji Peoples Party (FPP) 1, Green Party of Fiji 1, Conservative Alliance/Matanitu Vanua Party (CAMV) 1 and the Fiji 1st Party 1.

It was also agreed that 15 NGOs should be represented in the PPDF process and the modality of their participation and interaction with the political parties shall be decided in the next political meeting on April 3, 2009.The next meeting will discuss the UN/Commonwealth proposals on the Chair and Team of Mediators for the PPDF, modalities for decision-making and participation of NGOs/Civil Society organizations.It was further agreed that the PPDF can be convened after all outstanding matters are ironed out and after feedback is received from the UN/Commonwealth on their preparedness to host the PPDF.

(o) The PM's Unwise Decision on PPDF Meeting: Opinion

The Interim PM's decision not to invite* three hostile political parties (Qarase's SDL, the Indo-Fijian NFP, and the racist Vanua Tako Lavo) to the President's Political Dialogue Forum process meeting (due to start tomorrow to decide the PPDF's terms of reference and agenda) can only be bad news for Fiji. Perhaps the worst in a long time.

The reason for their exclusion is obvious. Their collective record over the past two years has not helped Fiji, and they would almost certainly have sought to disrupt the Forum process, or walk out having not agreed to the agenda and terms of reference. From this perspective, Bainimarama's position seems perfectly understandable (“we want people involved in the political dialogue process who are loyal to Fiji and will discuss issues in terms of the national interest of the people of Fiji.”).

But it is also besides the point. This is a process leading to dialogue, not a rally of political supporters. You cannot arrive at an acceptable consensus by only talking to your friends. NFP leader Pramod Rae is right in saying "the non-participation of both parties will place a lot of doubt on the credibility of the Forum." At the admittedly flawed 2006 elections over one-half of voters voted for the SDL or NFP. Had they been invited and then walked out of tomorrow's meeting, Bainimarama's position would have been strengthened.

There are two further reasons why these parties must ultimately be included. First, as USP historian Dr Sandra Tarte says in another Fiji Times article on March 12th: "Now is the time for flexibility and pragmatism from all political parties ... One should also not rule out the possibility that the positions of the major political parties on certain issues might have shifted since the last election." It is a big ask, but it is a possibility. Little, politically, is as it was before December 2006, and Fiji needs to hang on to every possible helpful possibility.

The second, and more important, reason is that UN and Commonwealth representatives will be at the main Forum meetings. Their presence alone should increase the likelihood of reasonable debate. It will be easier for the public and the world to distinguish between obstructionists and those who seek progress towards a genuine democracy. Their presence should also result in the Forum's decisions being accepted by fair-minded people in Fiji and the international community. Justice, it is said, must be done and be seen to be done.

One can only hope that when the full PPDF finally meets, Voqere Bainimarama will have seen the wisdom of inviting those who have been his most vocal critics, even Laisenia Qarase whom he has the most reason to despise.

To do otherwise could turn the PPDF -- quite possibly Fiji's last lifeline to normalcy -- into something of a farce. -- Crosbie Walsh

* POSTSCRIPT Fiji Times 12:57pm. Parmesh Chand, the permanent secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, said the reported withdrawal of invites by interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was news to him because he was unaware of any such development. Click here. My remarks may be premature.

POSTSCRIPT. Fiji Times Update: 5:11pm "No political party has been barred from the meeting, contrary to earlier media reports."

POSTSCRIPT 10:30 NZ time. No explanation or apology was given for yet another string of false media reports. Why does the media keep doing this? Is it incompetence, their normal way to "make" (and then "unmake") news, or just sheer political bias? Whatever, it's a poor record from which to argue the need for freedom of the press!

(o) Beddoes on Government of National Unity

Former Opposition leader and acting President of the General Voters United Peoples Party, Mick Beddoes is urging the Interim PM and political leaders to consider forming a Government of National Unity (GNU). Beddoes said such a government should be convened if a “timetable to parliamentary democracy” was not reached “within the next 12 months”.

He said getting the country back to democracy was urgent, citing the current state of the economy and worldwide financial crisis. He said while the recommencement of the dialogue process on March 13 was “most welcomed” there was a need for leaders, especially the interim PM, to consider “alternative options.”

“If the [PPDF] meeting is unable to reach agreement on a timetable that allows elections within a reasonable timeframe, then consideration for the formation of a government of national unity will allow more time for preparations, without putting at risk thousands of jobs and the collapse of businesses that would surely occur, if things remained as fragmented as they are today for another 12 months .... While it was important to address all of the issues in the Political Dialogue Process, it was also important to recognise the negative impact that the ongoing political instability was having on the economy and jobs." He added that a GNU would more “likely attract international support” and would quickly lead to a warming of relations with Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands Forum and and the Commonwealth. Fiji Daily Post

(o) The President's Political Dialogue Forum (PPDF)

A special meeting of political parties and other stakeholders will be held on March 13 to determine the agenda and the terms of reference, drafted by independent interlocutors Dr Sitiveni Halapua and Robin Nair. The PPDF will be convened when these matters have been resolved. FijiLive reports likely topics for inclusion are a proposed Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Act to prevent the future overthrow of democratically elected governments, recommended changes to the 1997 Constitution, outcomes from the People's Charter and timelines for implementation, electoral reforms, and the timeline for the next General Elections. The central issue will be a stable return to parliamentary rule, from which the agenda items for the proposed PPDF will flow and give shape to a measurable timeline for a general election. Condensed from Fijilive

Samoan PM's Comments Inflammatory and Unhelpful

In what FijiLive called "an extraordinary verbal attack on a neighbour", Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi claimed the Fiji military is planning to stay in power for another decade; PM Bainimarama is "stealing public money", and that Fiji has no need for the military. He called on Fijians (sic!) to "Wake up now. Stand up and reclaim your government. It is your God-given right." He called Bainimarama's appointment of Police Chief Esala Teleni, the appointment of one "madman" by another, an action "reminiscent of Stalin, Mussolini and Hitler." He also accused Bainimarama of lying to the Pacific Islands Forum that Samoa, or any other country, coerced smaller Pacific states into supporting a harder line against Fiji.

Tuilaepa is an economist, born in 1945, who was elected by other matai (chiefs) to parliament in 1980. He was instrumental in the major financial reforms of the early 1990s and for closer economic ties with China.

He has been criticized in Samoa for introduced legislation aimed at eroding customary forms of land tenure, allegedly in breach of the Constitution; forcing the resignation of the attorney general, reportedly over a case involving election fraud; and for legislation, protested against by 15,000 people, which switched Samoan road use from left to right-hand drive. This episode had many saying he was "out of touch or arrogant or ... simply tired." [Or all three?] Source: Wikipedia.

Postscript. Last week the media and the Interim Govenment's opponents squeezed all they could out of the "Teleni Affair." This week it promises to be the "Tuilaepa Affair" with the SDL and two anti-Government NGOs leading the charge. Be against the Interim Government by all means, but say what -- realistically -- you think should be done in the present situation. Perhaps like holding the IG to its commitment to an early meeting of the President's Political Dialogue Forum? Fortunately more helpful views are to be found in Chaudhry's comments, and in those of the Tongan PM Dr Feleti Sevele.

Surely there are more important things to attend to this week in Fiji than what the Samoan PM thinks of Bainimarama! Or vice versa!

(o) Elections Impossible this Year

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says there is no way the general elections can be held this year.He said given the time needed to prepare and addressing issues in the electoral reform, elections were impossible. Chaudhry said this had been made known to the international community.

He said it was therefore vital to proceed quickly to the President’s Political Dialogue Forum (PPDF) which would consider issues revolving around holding elections and the return of an elected parliament. He said the UN and Commonwealth had talked with political parties, a mediator for the PPDF had been named. This showed Fiji was working progressively towards democracy. Asked if the FLP would support changes in the Constitution, Chaudhry said this was where the PPDF was necessary as all parties concerned needed to reach an amicable agreement on what changes, if any, were to be made to the Constitution.

With regards to fears of suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum, Chaudhry said all parties, locally and abroad, needed to hold more dialogue and be more understanding of each other's position. He said suspension could be avoided with more understanding on both sides. This was why it was important that the PPDF convened as soon as possible. Condensed from FijiLive. [Later in the week I shall post extracts from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections' White Paper that show it is indeed technically impossible to hold an election by December.]

(o) Chaudhry, the FLP, Sugar, the Economy, and the Interim Government.

Rumours circulating during the week, heightened by a meeting with Bainimarama, had Mahendra Chaudhry returning to the Interim Government as Minister of Finance and Sugar, possibly accompanied by other FLP members. This prospect, however, may be judged premature if discussion at the FLP national committee meeting at Nadi are any indication.

The meeting was critical of Government's "commercial" decision to dissolve the Sugar Commission, Sugar Marketing Ltd and the Sugar Research Institute, transferring their responsibilities to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Chaudhry thought FSC dominance could marginalise the growers to whom 70% of sugar proceeds belonged, stating that the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) should play the lead role in marketing sugar. He called on Government to hasten the completion of the sugar industry reform and restructure programme, and to invest heavily in the natural resources sector to boost exports and create much needed employment.

The Party also cautioned Government against letting "vested interests" dictate its economic policies, following comments by Reserve Bank governor Savenaca Narube about rapidly declining foreign reserve levels, falling exports, tight liquidity and escalating interest rates.

Chaudhry compared this situation (brought on, in part, by the RBF's relaxed monetary controls and the consequent outflow of local funds), with "six months ago when foreign reserves stood at $910 million, liquidity was flush, interest rates low, investment levels rising, exports upped 33% compared to 2006 and debt level brought down to 45% of GDP from a high of 53% under the Laisenia Qarase-led government."

Astute politician that he is, Chaudhry may decide to keep his distance from the Interim Government until he is clearer on which way the political cookie will crumble after next month's President's Political Dialogue Forum. But then, being Chaudhry, he may not. Condensed, with added comments, from the Fiji Times.