ACT Party leader Dr Don Brash told a Friends of Fiji meeting on September 23 that if his Party returned to Parliament in sufficient numbers after the general election on November 26, it would encourage the New Zealand Government to reengage with Fiji, in the interests of both countries.
As the nation switches to the election mode, it would be in the interest of the political parties to reveal their position regarding Fiji.
There are thousands of former Fiji citizens living in New Zealand and they are as keen as their counterparts in Fiji to see which political party has positive plans and programmes to help the country get back on its feet.
Positive signs are now emerging from Suva that the Interim Government is taking steps to hold elections in September 2014.
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum recently briefed his country’s diplomatic missions of the progress made and processes involved in having an elected Parliament.
The meeting heard about the E-voting concept and that voter registration would begin in January 2012, followed by a public awareness programme.
Since the military coup of December 5, 2006, Fiji has endured international criticism and condemnation. It suffered punitive measures and lost its membership to the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Determined stand
However, the regime stood its ground on its agenda to hold elections in September 2014 after structural changes are effected to the elective system.
The regime was vehemently opposed to retention of voting system based on race, stating that it was divisive and fueled political instability.
In support of its ideals, the Interim Government produced the Peoples’ Charter that embraced its vision and mission in attaining its goals and objectives.
The Charter has been applauded, criticised and condemned all over the world.
To its proponents, the Charter was the vision for a Fiji united in its diversity but for opponents, it was mere replacement of democracy with dictatorship.
Some people consider Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama a dictator, while others regard him as a liberator.
People have expressed varied views but the Bainimarama Government has persevered thus far.
Surprisingly, in five years, the Interim Government has received a resounding endorsement of the work it has done.
Sydney based Lowy Institute for International Policy, in its recent Survey found 75% of Indo-Fijians and 60% of indigenous Fijians endorsing the Bainimarama regime.
A majority held favourable view of the Government’s performance in delivering education, transport and health services, ending racial inequality and in improving landownership laws.
Buoyed by this endorsement, the Government is moving swiftly to reassure people and the world that its plans for the proposed elections in 2014 are on track.
Interesting Survey
The Survey has naturally been an unfavourable outcome for the Australian and New Zealand Governments, as both continue with smart sanctions against the regime.
Their stance has received scathing condemnation from people of Fiji who want the two Governments to engage with Fiji and help in restoring democracy.
Clearly, Fiji’s democracy was iniquitous, blatantly racist and discriminatory.
It had two clear elements, namely the cover and the content.
It had the cover of democracy but its content was toxic.
Australia and New Zealand embraced the cover and ignored the content.
The Fiji model would be unacceptable in Australia or New Zealand as it violates basic values of democracy. Any democracy that is fueled by the volatile fuels of racism will self-destruct, as Fiji did.
However, it is now time for Australia and New Zealand to review their positions and be proactive in engaging with Fiji, noting that the people of Fiji have given their verdict and a majority of island nations who are members of the Pacific Island Forum support engagement with Fiji and restoration of its membership.
Rajendra Prasad is an independent commentator well versed in issues relating to Fiji. Related reports appear elsewhere in this issue.
