Fiji's Interim Prime Minister's address to the nation
Updated
Australia's Foreign Minister says the coup leader's commitment to elections in Fiji in September 2014 is unacceptable to Australia, the Pacific Islands Forum and the international community. Fiji has been suspended from the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum and is expected to face similar action from the British Commonwealth after Commodore Bainimarama broke a promise to hold elections to restore democracy by March this year.
Presenter: Campbell Cooney
Speakers: octor Brij La, Australian National University; Jenny Hayward Jones Lowy Institute
- Listen:
- Windows Media
BAINIMARAMA: As I have stated earlier, the new constitution must include provisions that will entrench common and equal citizenary. It must not have ethnic based voting, the voting age shall be 18. Consultations with the various stakeholders for the drafting of the new constitution shall also commence in 2012. These consultations shall be extensive and will not be limited to political parties. I seek the assistance of the international community to provide expertise and resources when this process begins in September 2012.
