CCF tries to put heat on junta on 23rd anniveray of first coup

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) says it's time the illegal government started an inclusive political dialogue in Fiji to find a way back to sustainable elected democracy.

Itschief executive Rev Aquila Yabaki says moving back to an elected government is the way forward for Fiji and the international community accepts that this can be done through an inclusive political dialogue.

“Since independence in 1970, Fiji’s economy has performed better under elected governments. Human rights and freedoms have been better enjoyed by people under elected governments.”

He says the coups in 1987, 2000 and 2006, by comparison, have resulted in economic stagnation, loss of investor confidence and a decline of quality leaders in Fiji, as many skilled people migrated and many remaining leaders do not want to contribute to unstable coup-ridden governments. 

In addition to loss of skilled labour, Fiji has missed out on development opportunities and rights and freedoms have been restricted due to coups.

“We don’t need a coup to end the coup cycle or to end racism, because we cannot break the supreme law of a country to protect the rule of law,” Rev Yabaki said.

“Racism and coup culture can be ended by a simple commitment from all citizens of Fiji – including members of the military – not to engage in these activities.

He says Fiji needs to learn its lesson and stop repeating the mistakes of the past. 

"We can only do that by stopping the cycle of coups, and returning to a sustainable elected democratic government. Given the current state of the economy, the need for inclusive political dialogue, as envisaged by Fiji citizens who contributed to the People’s Charter process in 2008, is now more urgent than ever.”