Lawyers want assurance from Commander
Representing Laisenia Qarase, QC Brad Walker highlighted that the former Prime Minister had given an undertaking in the High Court in the Chandrika Prasad case that if the decision is made against them, they would step aside and allow the constitutional process to take its cause to return Fiji to democracy.
He said such an undertaking would ensure that no matter what the decision of the court and if relief of some sort is granted to his clients, the Commander would adhere to the ruling and follow the courts directive.
Walker also stated earlier today that the President's decision to confirm, validate and ratify the acts between December 2006 and January 5th 2007 by the Commander and the RFMF was done upon the advice given, which was false, pretended and unlawful.
He highlighted that the usurper himself, being the Commander, provided such advice to the President, which was illegal and criminal.
Walker then went on to question the reasons as to why the current regime is called an interim asking where is the end point as no elections have taken place as required under the 1997 Constitution.
He said the Commander continues to say that he continues to uphold the Constitution and has not abrogated it, is nonsense and the court must give some relief to ratify the current situation.
Walker stressed to the judges that the Court must not look at problems which may arise if declarations are made but stick to the law and what it says.
He suggested that if it was decided that the acts were illegal, then there has to be a matter of trust that the decisions would be accepted by the Commander and it is a risk that the Constitutional Court must take.
Walker said the Court cannot be deterred from exercising its discretion to grant relief by considering what may happen.
He said if the Commander is then chosen again as the Interim PM, then it would be lawful but he would find some other emergencies to delay the election process and it is for the court to stop this.
In his submissions, State lawyer Gerard McCoy stressed that the issue at hand is determining the existence of the prerogative powers of the President and that there is no possibility for a court to give an undertaking as relief, to compel the President to do something.
McCoy said that the Constitution itself does not compel the President to take any advice, then neither can the Courts.
He said the reality in Fiji is that the Boundaries Commission is still undertaking its work and due to the financial constraints, elections could not possibly be held in the current circumstance.
The Case continues this hour.
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p