14 May 2002

Speculation in Fiji that the government may call a snap election

9:16 am on 14 May 2002

Speculation is growing in Fiji that the government may call a snap election to solve the current political impasse.

Fiji TV says this follows the refusal of the prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, to include the Labour Party in his government despite a court order that the FLP is constitutionally entitled to be part of the cabinet.

Mr Qarase has promised to use every legal means available to him to keep Labour out of the government because including them will cause instability and too much is at stake.

The television station says some people in the government believe a snap election could be a way to get a fresh mandate and a fresh start.

Mr Qarase would not comment yesterday on the possibility of a snap election.

But the Labour leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, said he is ready for one at any time.