29 Mar 2013

Fiji group totally rejects draft constitution, PM says those that don't follow it will go to prison

9:19 am on 29 March 2013

A spokesperson for the United Front for a Democratic Fiji, former Opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says his group totally rejects the regime's draft constitution and calls on all right thinking people to do the same.

As well as Mr Beddoes, the United Front includes the leaders of other disbanded political parties - Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Mahendra Chaudhry and Attar Singh.

It says the constitution ensures the Bainimarama dictatorship is perpetuated by entrenching the many restrictions imposed on the people since the 2006 coup.

Mr Beddoes says most people in Fiji will have no opportunity to register their views on the draft before the close off next Friday.

He says rights guaranteed under the previous constitution and the Yash Ghai draft have been removed.

"In addition there is absolutely no mention of land. Now this is a major concern for our indigenous people. There are a number of important legislations for protection of indigenous land that are missing. There are also a lot of references in terms for women that are totally absent."

Mick Beddoes.

The United Front is to hold forums on the draft next week in Suva and Nadi.

The Prime Minister says If people don't follow the constitution then they will go to prison.

Fijivillage reports Commodore Bainimarama said if the group does not like the constitution, they just have to follow it.

He says if they don't then they will go to prison.