The Police, under the ambit of the Public Order Act will now allow all Non Governmental Organisations and Civil Societies, including Faith Based Organisations to hold public meetings with a one-off permit.
This is to help facilitate and encourage public discussions on the civic education on the Constitutional Consultations and recognizing the important role that NGOs and Civil Society Groups, including Faith Based Organisations play in this process.
Any such meeting or organisation that breaches the provisions and intentions of the Public Order Act by prejudicing peace, compromising public safety and good order, engaging in racial or religious vilification, or undermining or sabotaging the economy or financial integrity of Fiji, will be immediately stopped from holding the meetings and any subsequent meetings.
This one-off permit will not apply to political parties or unions who will have to continue to apply each time they wish to hold any meeting.
Story by: Gwen McGoon
