All Fijians in Fiji must participate in the democratic process and voice their opinions on constitutional and electoral reforms, Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has said.
He said Fijians eligible to vote should register their names in the electoral roll.
In a statement issued on August 17, 2012, he said that the principles of the new Constitution would be non-negotiable and that the reforms process would ensure that all future governments follow principles of equality of all citizens.
Non-negotiable concepts
He said the ‘non-negotiable principles’ included accessibility to education, quality health services, and social assistance.
“These principles are based on Fiji’s political and socioeconomic history. Fiji’s landscape has been stained by disparity and racial discord. We do not want a Fiji where only a few will prosper,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said that he and his interim Government were building a Fiji in which everyone will be considered equal.
“My Government has a social responsibility to its citizens. We will put in place policies that will achieve prosperity for all Fijians, including the marginalised and the most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said that Fiji is a secular and that they would be no official religion, with the freedom for all peoples to choose and practice their own faith.
Appealing to citizens to use the constitutional process to achieve equal opportunities for all, he said, “When you go in there and make your submission, do not think about just yourself. Think about your children, those in your community and the entire Nation.”
Social Justice
Mr Bainimarama said that the principles of social justice would ensure that everyone has access to basic needs and enjoys a decent life.
“We cannot and will not stop people from having their say. However, it is disappointing to see some influential groups continuing to promote their self-interests without considering the needs of all Fijians and the Nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s Acting High Commissioner in Wellington Mere Tora said that the Electric Voter Registration (EVR) was well under way.
“Fijian nationals living in New Zealand will be able to register in 2013. However, those travelling to Fiji in the coming months can liaise with the Fiji Elections Office to register while in Fiji.
She said that submissions could be made to the Fiji Constitution Commission (of which Professor Yash Ghai is the Chairman) either by post (P O Box 2082 Suva) or by email (submissions@constitution.org.fj)
