28 Sep 2005

Fiji candidates to be vetted to curb hate speech in parliament

5:11 pm on 28 September 2005

The racist comments and hate speeches that have characterised Fiji's current parliament has led political parties to aim to select better quality candidates for next year's general elections.

Radio Legend says this follows concern about the character of certain politicians.

The ruling SDL party's executive director, Jale Baba, has admitted that this issue is not a good reflection on the leaders of the nation.

Mr Baba says strict criteria will be followed in the selection of candidates to ensure that only people of good character who can articulate their positions without jumping on the racist bandwagon are allowed to contest the elections.

The leader of the United People's Party, Mick Beddoes, says they want to see candidates of good character who are moderate in their views and not subject to extreme positions.

Mr Beddoes says they would not allow extremist people to contest and the party's constitution allows constituents to remove their MPs if they are not satisfied with their performance.