Qarase concerned about constitutional consultations process announced

SDL Party leader Laisenia Qarase has welcomed Governments move towards parliamentary elections however has expressed concerns about the constitutional consultations process announced yesterday by the Prime Minister.

Qarase said that Government has gone ahead to announce the key principles and values to be embodied in the constitution and members of the constitutional commission have been appointed.

He said these important decisions should be the outcome of intensive consultations with key stakeholders and not unilateral decisions by the government.

Qarase suggested that the formation of a constitutional forum should include key stakeholders including political parties, church leaders and NGO's.

This forum should discuss and decide on key issues relating to the constitutional consultations process and provide guidance to the process itself.

Qarase also said that the general elections should be held under the 1997 constitution as early as possible preferably later this year.

He said Constitutional changes process can then proceed under an elected government as this would be the best option for Fiji.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa