Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has accused the Government of pursuing a “very cunning agenda” through the proposed Constitution, claiming its provisions could allow those in power to remain in office without holding an election.
Speaking at the Fijian Media Association town hall meeting in Nasinu last night, Mr Chaudhry questioned the proposed return of the Senate, transitional provisions and changes to electoral constituencies.
“As I said, it’s a manipulative constitution. You got to look deep into it. Right? There is a very cunning agenda here, but it’s exposed now,” he said.
Mr Chaudhry claimed the proposed Senate was designed to shift political power away from ordinary citizens and into the hands of a privileged few.
“We don’t need the Senate,” he said.
“Absolutely, we’re a small country, less than a million people.
“What do you need the Senate for? Will it add value to the Parliament? No, it won’t add value. As I say, the Senate is being created to transfer power from the people to the elite.”
He insisted that the proposed upper house was part of a wider political agenda, despite assurances from government leaders.
“That’s the clear agenda. However much the Deputy Prime Minister tries to convince us that no, that there is no agenda. That is the agenda.”
Mr Chaudhry also raised concerns about transitional provisions in the proposed Constitution, alleging they could enable the current Government to continue in office without facing voters.
“When you look at the transitional provisions of the Bill, and I’ve raised this question, they can slide into power without holding an election, how do you explain that?”
He questioned why provisions allowing the current Parliament to continue had been included in the draft.
“What was the need for that? Such a provision was never in any other constitution before.”
Mr Chaudhry further criticised proposed electoral arrangements, particularly the treatment of Yasawa under the proposed constituency boundaries.
He questioned why Yasawa would be placed within a maritime constituency rather than remain with Ba Province.
“Yasawa is a part of Ba. It has always been a part of Ba. Why are you trying to divide the province of Ba?”
Mr Chaudhry maintained that the combined proposals raised serious questions about the Government’s intentions.
He urged the public to examine the draft Constitution closely rather than accept assurances about the proposed changes.
“Don’t try and fool the people,” he said.
“You are playing with the lives of the people in this country.”
