Transcript
BIMAN PRASAD: We felt after looking at all the evidence that we, in the interests of transparency, accountability and free and fair elections, if we felt as a political party that we need, as provided for in the constitution and in the law, we feel that an election petition was necessary and that's what we have done.
JENNY MEYER: There's been some major issues in terms of trying to put through the delivery of that petition, it appears that some people are trying to hide from that and you know out last the time period, various obstruction, what do you make of that?
BP: Well it was rather unfortunate that when we were given the court direction to go and serve the petition in 24 hours, we found out that the whole government in the guise of some strategic workshop, went into hiding. And were camped in a conference room for two days and two nights. Now we can all have a good laugh at that. But it is a serious matter. We feel that the government and the Attorney General of the government led by him as Acting Prime Minister right now have shown utter contempt for the people of Fiji. Because they deliberately ensured that we are not able to serve the petition on them. So perhaps they need to rethink about their actions over the last two days and whether they are being an accountable, transparent government or not. You know because they essentially kept baliffs away from themselves in terms of ensuring they get the petition. So it's very sad in terms of actions by the government.
JM: What do you imagine will happen now? Do you think that there will be a change in the outcome as a result of your challenge?
BP: We've filed a petition and we will now leave it to the courts and we will go through the process of the courts and we will await the final outcome once the case is dealt with.
JM: How do you think Fiji can ensure the integrity of its future elections?
BP: Well we will be able to say a bit more on this once the case is heard. So I'll leave it at that at the moment.
JM: Is there anything else that you think is important for the people of Fiji to understand about where things are at right now with the outcome of this general election?
BP: What I want to say to the people of Fiji, that we need to get to the bottom of everything in terms of accountablity, transparency of the election. And we as opposition parties, we have followe a process that is very clearly stipulated in the constitution and the law. And we are following the law to pursue this matter. And we will wait for the courts to determine the outcome of our petition.
