The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and FemLink Pacific are saying that it is not for the state to tell the people what the constitution must contain.
They say that some of the non-negotiable principles the government has set out are matters for the people to decide, not for the state to dictate.
They say they may agree with the state about the way in which people should vote and the voting age however they say people who disagree with this should be heard and their views taken into account.
The three NGO’s have also highlighted Fiji Television Limited’s six month licence on renewal.
The NGO’s say this looks like a “good behaviour bond” for Fiji TV.
Women’s Crisis Centre Co-ordinator, Shamima Ali said they do not think it is right for the Prime Minister to appoint the members of the Constituent Assembly and wants to know how the selection process will be carried out.
They also say that the state should not have any control of the process.
The NGO’s also say the immunities given to the current members of the government should be openly discussed.
When questioned on the issues raised by the three NGO’s, Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the tone of the statement by the NGO’s indicate that they feel they are very important.
But he said they are not if they do not contribute positively to have a better Fiji for all citizens.
He said the constitution process is not for grandstanding.
Commodore Bainimarama said the Constituent Assembly will be made up of credible people who think positively about Fiji’s future and he said and I quote “tell Shamima Ali from me she is not in that league” end quote.
Ali said it is her right to raise these concerns.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Gwen McGoon
