Political parties welcome govt's decision

Fiji’s prominent political parties have welcomed the government's decision to temporarily suspend section 8 of the Public Order Amendment Decree 2012.

United Peoples Party leader Mick Beddoes said this is a good initiative and members of his executive committee will be meeting later this weekend to discuss their further steps.

He said the party will meet to set out their plan of action for the reactivation of the party machinery, Fiji wide.

He said he is looking forward to the removal of all other decrees that impede the rights of citizens so everyone is free to express themselves.

The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewnivanua (SDL) Party also welcomes the announcement which sees the requirement of permits for some meetings temporarily suspended.

However, SDL in a statement said the relaxation does not go far enough.

It said the restrictions on interviews with the media and communications through radio, newspapers and television remain in force.

“The current environment is not conducive to free, fair and effective consultations with members of the public on this vitally important process of constitution – making.”

Meanwhile, National Federation Party general secretary Pramod Rae when contacted for comment said they need to sight the new decree first before taking a step further.

He said there may be other conditions attached to the suspension of the permit.

Rae said they have been hearing about it but getting to read the conditions will lead them to their next move as the party prepares its submission to the constitution consultation.

 Fiji Labour Party is expected to comment on the suspension on section 8 of POAD later.

The new laws pertaining to the Constitutional Commission and the Constituent Assembly which was announced by the acting Prime Minster and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum came into effect on Wednesday this week.

Sayed-Khaiyum said this will allow free dialogue for the constitution consultation process.

By Ropate Valemei