Fiji's Commodore Bainimarama Responds To Critics

Commodore Bainimarama Responds To Critics

There is no reason for the international community to be alarmed or for that matter overreact to the position which the Interim Government has taken on the views of the NCBBF with regards to the necessity for electoral reforms to ensure that Fiji has genuine and sustainable democracy.

These are the comments of Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister as he responded to comments of His Excellency, Mr. Larry Dinger, US Ambassador and other critics that the international community will hold Fiji to honor the commitments which have been made for the country's return to Parliamentary Democracy within the confines of the 1997 Constitution.

Commodore Bainimarama said that Fiji as sovereign State will not be influenced by the international community on what we consider of benefit to our country and her people.

If through a process of dialogue and consultations, our people are asking for reforms to the electoral system, it is the profound duty of the Interim Government in line with the mandate given to it by HE, The President to be responsive and react positively to such calls.

After all the events of 5th December were not about a "grab for power" on part of the RFMF, but inter-alia to bring about required changes to restore true and sustainable democracy in the Sovereign State of Fiji.

With regards to issues of credibility, inclusiveness and legitimacy of the NCBBF and Peoples Charter for Peace, Prosperity and Progress initiatives, Commodore Bainimarama said that everything is being done in an open and transparent manner.

We have made every effort to engage those few who have opted to remain outside and keep themselves excluded. The opportunities still remain open for them to become part of these critically important national initiatives, which are meant to find 'our own homegrown solutions and a way forward' to the challenges faced by our Nation. The legitimacy issues are independently determined through the Court process and it is best not to comment on them given the cases before the Courts.

Commodore Bainimarama said that the international community should engage freely and genuinely with the Interim Government if they are to be of any help to us in fulfilling the commitments which we have made for holding free, fair and truly democratic elections as early as possible in 2009.

ENDS

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