Questions about Fiji election commitment
Updated
abcwire.send-mungmung.raIn Fiji, there's been reaction to comments by Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama, questioning his much quoted committment to hold democratic elections next year.Yesterday at Nadoi village outside Suva, the Commodore, speaking in Fijian, told villagers if Chiefs and politicians don't accept his national charter for political and electoral change, there will be no elections in March 2009.As well Commodore Bainimarama said the military will ensure that only political parties which accept the charter, will be able to contest the election, if it happens.Previously the Commodore has held up the national charter, as a way of ensuring equality of voting in Fiji, and removing race based politics.But many see it as nothing but a way of guaranteeing the Commodore, and the military don't end up in court, and possibly jail.And the national council he's created to lead the charter's process has been criticised, and rejected by many chiefs and politicians.
Presenter:Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney
Speaker:Former leader of the Fiji opposition Mick Beddoes
