3 Feb 2005

Fiji Democrats campaign for multi-racialism

4:22 pm on 3 February 2005

The Fiji Democratic Party says it wants multi-racialism and democracy for all the people of the country.

Speaking at the party's annual general meeting, the Democrats' leader, Filipe Bole told members they wanted peaceful co-existence among the people of all ethnic communities.

The party's manifesto for the 2006 general election says their target is to provide full employment and reduce poverty.

The Democratic Party would also ensure that all villages are accessible by road and have telecommunications links and safe drinking water.

Mr Bole says they want fee-free and compulsory education and the party would encourage landowners to renew agricultural leases and retain the current Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, or ALTA, which governs such leases.

Mr Bole says the party's finance and monetary policies would stimulate the economy though low interest rates to encourage investment.

He says the Democrats have more than 71 candidates ready to fight the general election.