With 60 days to go for the September 17th general elections, the Social Democratic Liberal Party is the second political party to release its manifesto today.
In the manifesto that was launched in front of more than 250 supporters at the Suva Civic Centre, SODELPA Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa revealed that the party will immediately review the list of basic food items.
SODELPA said that it will allocate $50 million annually to subsidize the price of an approved list of VAT free basic food items to give some initial relief to the poor and the needy.
The party will also commission a pay survey throughout the civil service and the disciplined forces to restore affordable and appropriate levels of pay.
SODELPA also revealed in the manifesto that the party in agreement with other political parties will explore ways of amending or repealing the 2013 constitution through legal means.
It also said that SODELPA will follow proper procedures and prepare a new constitution that will be acceptable to a great majority of the people of Fiji.
The party said it will also seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court on the status of the 1997 constitution.
Ro Teimumu Kepa also said that the party rejects the idea of a secular state which means that the state is neutral and does not favour a particular religion.
Ro Teimumu said that the party also rejects the neutral prayer.
Under the 2013 constitution, freedom of religion is guaranteed however the state is not to prefer one religion over another.
The party said it will also provide tuition fee free education for primary and secondary school students.
It will also extend fee free education to kindergartens.
For scholarships, SODELPA said there will be one Fiji government scholarship scheme under one scholarship committee if SODELPA forms the next government.
This single scheme will consist of the Itaukei Affairs Board Scholarship Unit and the Multi Ethnic Scholarship Unit.
The scholarships will be distributed equitably in proportion to the ethnic composition of the population and merit will be the principal criterion under each scholarship unit.
It is also stated that SODELPA will repeal the Land Use Decree, abolish the Land Bank, initiate a national debate on a language policy in light of the ban of indigenous language for political party names.
The SODELPA manifesto states that the party will repeal all decrees that suppress human rights, minimum wages will be set for different economic sectors, continue with the social welfare assistance but with improved administration, create jobs through raising investment, honor FNPF pension contracts and legal rights, start immediate discussions with the EU for resumption and updating of a major $350 million aid package for the sugar industry and increase sugar production to around 400,000 tonnes during the next five years.
SODELPA also plans to carry out major reforms of the agriculture sector which include the granting of agricultural leases of native land for a period of 50 years and renewal of existing leases for a minimum of 30 years.
It also said that there needs to be reconciliation between the people and the military.
It is proposed that this will be done through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the traditional forgiveness ceremony like the matanigasau will also be part of this.
A comprehensive review of the military’s operations and role will also be carried out in consultation with the military leadership on the terms of reference.
