Former Vice President and Bau high chief Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi believes that inter ethnic relations in the country have been better than they ever were.
While speaking to participants of the CCF Forum on Bringing Fiji Together - Addressing Inclusivity in Constitution Making, Ratu Joni said although more work needs to be done, some of the issues like current government policies and the increase in the i-taukei population has resulted in changes already.
Ratu Joni said more work needs to be done to educate people on civic beliefs and he said great courage and wisdom is needed to ensure that everyone moves together as one nation.
He said there was hope that the electoral system in the 1997 constitution was a system in transition and in a short period of time, parliamentarians would be elected on the basis of one vote one value.
However, Ratu Joni said none of the politicians had said that there should be change in the electoral system up to December 2006.
He said the focus should be on building on a national identity and social cohesion.
Discussions on constitution making continues at the CCF Forum with the Constitutional Commissioners led by Professor Yash Ghai also in attendance.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Race relations now better but more needs to be done - Ratu Joni
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