Qarase and his Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party were locked out of the political conference together with representatives of the National Federation Party, the United Peoples Party and the Fijian Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party.
“My party is very concerned about our exclusion and it seems to suggest that the interim government (of Commodore Bainimarama) is not interested in holding elections,” Qarase told a press conference convened shortly after the dialogue of political parties chaired by the military ruler began in the capital.
“This can be seen as a delaying tactic in holding elections and indicates the real intention of this government, in not wanting to hold elections.”
Qarase said the people of Fiji should not accept the exclusion of his party and that of the United Peoples Party of former opposition leader Mick Beddoes, the National Federation Party and the Fijian Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party.
“I call on the people of Fiji to rise up to the occasion and apply pressure together with the international community.”
National Federation Party president and Suva lawyer Raman Pratap Singh believes the excluded parties represent 70 percent of the country’s population.
His general secretary and trade unionist Parmond Rae believes their exclusion from the meeting proves that Bainimarama is keen in establishing a “yes-men monologue.”
Beddoes questioned the motive behind their expulsion, saying Bainimarama and his supporters had nothing to fear from him and other political parties.
“For a man who has all the arms in this country, I think it is deeply ironic that he is totally intimidated by us,” Beddoes told the same press conference that Qarase and other party leaders attended.
“All we have are our brains, our mouth and our hearts.”
For the nationalists, Duvuloco said their expulsion made the day a very sad one.
“I am very, very disappointed.
“The letter they wrote us (informing them of their exclusion from today’s talks) is swallow and childish, it’s unbelievable. Where we are heading after this? I really don’t know.”
Bainimarama reiterated returning the island nation’s to parliamentary democracy, saying it will go ahead without the four political parties.
“We need leaders in Fiji who think about Fiji and her people. Unfortunately in Fiji this is not the case, since media outlets and political parties are unable to work together with us for the common good of Fiji and her people,” Bainimarama said.
In his opening remarks at Fiji Political Party Leaders meeting, Bainimarama said the four parties were given pre-conditions to attend the meeting.
“I do not have the luxury of time to wait for them to come on board. We have to move forward,” Bainimarama said.
