3 Jan 2014

Lies by Fiji regime shows it is not serious about elections - UFDF

5:55 am on 3 January 2014

The Fiji political opposition grouping, the United Front for a Democratic Fiji says the broken promises made by the regime in 2013 show it is not serious about a democratic election this year.

One of group's leaders, Mick Beddoes, says Frank Bainimarama announced he would step down as Commander of the military, announce his replacement and promised the release of a new Electoral Decree.

But he says none of those promises, which are critical for a democratic election, has been fulfilled.

"A lot of these things are not being announced because of the negative reaction they will get. They talk about transparency and accountability. Well, if they're accountable - and we're heading 9 months into a return to democracy - what kind of democracy can we expect, if 9 months out from a general election they can't practise democratic principles?"

Mick Beddoes says 2013's broken promises will be added to what he calls the litany of lies of the past six years, including undeclared salaries and corruption.