Everyone has the right to freely participate in the electoral process including those living in itaukei villages.
While speaking in a talkback on our sister station, Viti FM, Permanent Secretary for itaukei Affairs Naipote Katonitabua said that the right to take part in the electoral process should and will be open to all.
He was responding to a question if a chief supports a particular party and decides to use the proposed village-bylaw to block other parties from entering their village for campaign meetings.
Katonitabua says villagers should not only open their doors to the preferred parties by the Turaga ni Vanua or the village chiefs but all the parties should be allowed for this.
Meanwhile SODELPA’s Mosese Bulitavu said in a statement that he is concerned with comments published in the newspapers titled “Parties to observe protocol”, saying those statements were yet another ploy by Government to limit freedom of participation and political rights of every citizen.
Bulitavu also calls on the iTaukei Affairs Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Apakuki Kurusiga to resign.
