1 Mar 2012

Fiji regime accused of bluffing over constitution process

5:10 pm on 1 March 2012

The leader of the Fiji Labour Party says the country's military regime continues to bluff over its promises to start discussions over a new constitution.

The interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, was due to announce details of the consultation in the fourth week of February.

The information ministry said he would provide details about the timeframe and methodology of the consultation process.

Mahendra Chaudhry says now that it is March, he's not surprised.

"This has happened in the past, promises has been made about elections and a new constitution, and these haven't been honoured. They've bluffed in the past, and the bluffs continue."

Mahendra Chaudhry says he is also not surprised the Fiji media has not noted the delay, saying despite the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations, the media does not have full freedom.