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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Secretary-General’s statement on the Supreme Court of Fiji Islands ruling on the constitutionality of the formation of the Government

18 July 2003

The Commonwealth Secretary-General today commented on the ruling of the Fiji Supreme Court on the long awaited case on the constitutionality of the formation of the Government under Section 99 of the Constitution of the Fiji Islands.

"The decision of the Court signifies an important landmark in the political history of the Fiji Islands. I welcome the leadership demonstrated by Prime Minister Qarase in his reaction to the Supreme Court ruling today, and his Statement in which he said that his task now is to implement the decision taking into account the political questions that the Constitution does not address. I also encourage Prime Minister Qarase and Mr Mahendra Chaudhry to maintain dialogue in good faith through their ongoing 'Talanoa' process in mapping out the way forward in the interest of the country," Mr McKinnon said.

The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of a peaceful and economically stable Fiji Islands - not only for the social and economic development of its people, but of the region as a whole. He noted that Fiji hosts some of the key institutions of the region such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the University of the South Pacific, and currently holds the chair of the Pacific Forum.

The developments in the Fiji Islands were considered most recently by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in May 2003, which requested the Secretary-General to offer appropriate assistance as may be required by both parties following the Court's decision.

"The Commonwealth recognises the importance of the Court's ruling for the people of the Fiji Islands and we remain ready to provide the necessary technical assistance as required. Fiji is an important member of the Commonwealth family and its progress and political stability is of interest to all Commonwealth nations. My Special Envoy, Justice Pius Langa, will also remain engaged and will continue to provide appropriate assistance as requested," concluded Mr McKinnon.


Note to Editors:

Today the Supreme Court of Fiji Islands ruled that under Section 99 of the country's Constitution the Prime Minister must invite all parties with more than 10% of the seats in the House of Representatives to be represented in the Cabinet in proportion to their numbers in the House. It leaves the selection of persons to be appointed from those other parties to the Prime Minister in consultation with the leaders of those parties.

The 'Talanoa' process was facilitated by the East West Centre in Hawaii to promote a Pacific-island style dialogue which would bring together people with opposing views without any predetermined expectations of an agreement. Under this process Prime Minister Qarase, Leader of the governing Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party, and Mr Mahendra Chaudhry, Leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), have held several rounds of discussions on issues critical to Fiji Islands.

03/50 18 July 2003
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