An issue that the SDL, Fiji Labour Party, United People’s Party and National Federation Party have raised in their submission to the Pacific Islands Forum is their concern that senior politicians like Laisenia Qarase will not be allowed to contest the next elections after being convicted.
UPP Leader, Mick Beddoes in his personal submission to the Constitution Commission has said that everyone convicted or imprisoned after December 2006 should be allowed to contest the elections.
Fijivillage questioned Beddoes why he wants convicted people after December 2006 to contest as this would open up the door to many such people.
Beddoes said it is much better to give people like Qarase a chance to contest
Story by: Vijay Narayan