SUVA: Fiji’s Citizens' Constitutional Forum says the Public Emergency Regulations need to be lifted so proper political dialogue can start.
The PER were implemented in April 2009, and were to have been lifted when the media decree came in last year, but were not.
The forum’s head, the Reverend Akuila Yabaki, says the regulations are an infringement on people’s right to participate in the process of reforming the country’s political process.
“I think government could listen to more ideas. And the people have a right to be heard. There’s no civil unrest and I think you cannot prepare people for a new mode of democracy, without opening up and getting rid of the Public Emergency Regulations.”
Reverend Yabaki says while some good work is being done, it needs to continue. - Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
