23 Apr 2003

Fiji Government MP says SVT snap election not to be taken seriously

4:22 pm on 23 April 2003

Conservative Alliance MP, Samisoni Tikonisau has dismissed calls by the Fiji Political Party, the SVT for a snap general election.

Mr Tikonisau, the brother of coup front man George Speight, says the call carries no weight as the SVT has no political credibility.

The SVT spokesperson, Ema Druavesi says a snap election is the only way out for the Qarase government in solving the constitutional crisis over the composition of cabinet.

The state is currently appealing an earlier ruling by the Appeal Court favouring Labour's inclusion in a multi-party cabinet

Samisoni Tikonisau says the SVT is a political non-entity and that its call for a snap election should not be taken seriously.

"The SVT as such, has lost all credibility, amongst the Fijian people. I think Ema's comments are way out of line and it's something that we are not taking seriously. We are working very clearly for Fijian interests and self determination and there's nothing wrong with that."

Samisoni Tikonisau Conservative Alliance MP.

Mrs Druavesi says also that the Conservative alliance, the government's coalition partner, is worsening the situation because of its push to have all those sentenced for the coup, including Speight, freed.