Update: 7:05PM President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the elections and the formation of the Constitution were among highlights of Presidential career.
Addressing
the parliament today Ratu Epeli said the next
elections would be held in three years time.
“That decision by the Fijian voters was
decisive, unambiguous and must be respected. The Government will serve its term
and then subject itself to the will of the people – as our Constitution
provides – some time in 2018. That is what will happen under our supreme law
and no other course of action is lawful or acceptable. Neither will it, nor
should it, be tolerated,” Ratu Epeli said.
“Our new democracy was built on the most solid of
foundations – a Constitution that for the first time, guarantees equality for
every Fijian. And also provides for a range of social and economic rights that
are unprecedented in our history.
“I was
extremely proud and privileged – as your President – to have been instrumental
in bringing this Constitution into being, to give it my assent as Head of State
and formally establish it as our supreme law. Because by any international
standard, it meets the test of providing a framework for genuine democracy and
genuine opportunity for all. Indeed our Constitution has been internationally
lauded and critically acclaimed.”
Ratu Epeli
said the Constitution Day should be celebrated by educating the people on what
it holds.
“I therefore fully endorse my Government’s decision to
celebrate Constitution Day as a national holiday every year to enable us all to
reflect on the benefits it offers every Fijian.”
