The full circle is complete as Fiji begins its journey with a new democracy.
Those are the words of President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to the members of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Chamber in Government Buildings today.
The President stressed to the 50 parliamentarians that people will not easily forgive or forget those who put petty arguments for short term political gain.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said those who have sent the 50 MPs to parliament have already showed their passionate desire by exercising their democratic right with more than 80 percent of the voters turning out to vote.
He said it is now time for people to put their differences aside and to move the country forward.
The President said the historic significance of what is happening today cannot be overstated.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the same parliamentary chamber had meetings of the Legislative Council in colonial times that set the scene for our independence from Britain and the first gathering of Fiji’s independent parliament in 1970 was also held at the same venue.
He also highlighted the troubled times from 1987 when the late Doctor Timoci Bavadra led government was overthrown.
Ratu Epeli told the 50 parliamentarians to work together for every citizen in the country.
Parliament has been adjourned to next Monday.
