POLITICAL parties contesting Fiji’s upcoming general election should make freedom of expression and the public’s right to information part of their election manifestos, The Fiji Times editor Fred Wesley says.
Wesley warned that the damage caused by restrictions on the media could continue long after laws were repealed.
He challenged political parties to recognise the importance of an informed public as Fiji prepares for its next general election.
“In the next general elections in Fiji, let this be a warning for us all about our failure should we disregard the importance that must be placed on freedom of expression and on democracy,” he said.
He stated this while speaking at the 8th Pacific Media Summit.
He said political parties should make the protection of these rights a clear commitment in their manifesto.
“I challenge you to manufacture this in your manifesto,” Wesley said.
“Let us never deny the right of the people to be informed.”
He said parties were to include the protection of freedom of expression and the public’s right to be informed in their election manifestos.
