The government has made it clear that the path to truly democratic elections to be held next year has been set and the processes have been clearly mapped out.
While reacting to a statement from the Fiji Labour Party, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said a few people may not be happy with the process however the decision has been made.
FLP's Mahendra Chaudhry said the party's Delegates Conference has called for the appointment of a caretaker government to take charge of the process of restoring Fiji to democratic and constitutional rule.
Chaudhry said the delegates also spoke in favour of retaining the 1997 constitution however he said the party admits that some amendments and additions are necessary, particularly those in relation to the electoral system and good governance.
The FLP said these changes should be discussed and agreed to in an appropriately constituted forum similar to the President's Political Dialogue Forum.
Chaudhry said the Fiji Labour Party has also laid down its platform for the 2014 elections and their manifesto includes the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs, calling of the municipal elections, reversing the FNPF pension cuts, reinstatement of the civil service retirement age from 55 to 60 years, FEA tariff rates to be reduced, zero rate VAT for more items to be listed under basic food items, old age pension for those over 65 with no other source of income and a review of sectors like infrastructure, education, health, water, housing and rural development.
When questioned on the statement by the Fiji Labour Party and the proposals set out by the FLP, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the government is following a transparent process.
He said the Labour manifesto is for the voters and the government has no comments on this issue.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Ronal Deo
