SUVA (Pacnews)— Fiji’s interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama has assured a roadmap to democratic rule will be developed shortly.
Although no time frame was given, Bainimarama said Fiji electoral system needs to be addressed before any commitment was made.
“There have been calls from many quarters for a definitive roadmap to return the country to democratic rule. There also been calls for an expeditious return to democracy,” Bainimarama said.
“My appeal to those of you are making those calls are to think more comprehensively and holistically. While the issue of timing is important, the nation should not lose sight of the fact that there is a need to thoroughly address the inherent problems in our electoral system.”
At a media conference, Bainimarama reiterated that the interim government wants to ensure that a free and fair election is held in Fiji once the proper mechanisms are in place.
“There are milestones such as population census, re –demarcation of electoral boundaries, improved voter registration system and enhancement of capacity of election office and comprehensive awareness of voters to be satisfactorily achieved,” he said.
“This will have their own time frame and budgets. It’s always through ongoing engagement and wide-range consultation the interim government will develop a road map to take our nation back to democratic rule.”
Bainimarama said his desire was to rid Fiji of corrupt practices so that the average citizens could be provided with the best of care.
He also said that the interim government was ready for talks with the international community after consultations with the Forum Eminent Persons Group last week
“The interim government is ready to engage with bilateral, regional and multilateral partners to explain our political transition and the steps we are taking to take Fiji forward,” He said.
“We just hosted last week the Eminent Persons Group, we objectively provided to the group the reasons for the political transitions and the steps which are being taken,” he added.
“We also gave the group an opportunity to consult as widely as possible and also allowed a free flow of information and ideas from individuals and institutions who met the group”
Bainimarama at the same time warned the Methodist Church in Fiji not to incite trouble as the military would not take their threats lightly.
Bainimarama’s warning came after Fiji’s largest church denomination last week called for the resignations of the interim prime minister and the president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
“It is not a statement that has been made by the church, it is a statement made by a few ‘talatala’ (church ministers). In that statement they have threatened the (military) and (we) will not take those threats sitting down. I don’t think they should start something they can’t finish,” Bainimarama said.