Former Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes today welcomed the start of the Constitutional Consultation process announcement by Prime Minister Bainimarama on Friday.

Beddoes said that he hope's this would be one of many new and positive signals from the government as it sets about creating the enabling environment for Fiji to start its journey towards accountable democratic governance.

Although he held some initial concerns about some aspects of the process he was encouraged by and agreed with the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister that we should all undertake this process in an unselfish, patient, inclusive, honest manner and with integrity and looked forward to the opportunity that the people of Fiji will have to put forward their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see included in the ultimate document.

Beddoes said that the Prime Minister was absolutely correct to say that we must not allow ourselves to be distracted from this important process by petty politics and politicians.

He added that it essential that the newly appointed Constitutional Commissioners not to disregard the 1997 constitution.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso