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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2007 - 12:46:40 AM |
Prospects of a multiparty cabinet in Fiji looks unlikely, according to constitutional lawyer and former supervisor of elections, Jon Apted.
“If the experiences of 1999 and 2001 are repeated, I do not foresee a multiparty cabinet to emerge.”
In 2001, when the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) came to power, the Labour Party was invited to join the government but refused to accept the invitation.
The Labour Party sought a decision from the court, which ruled in its favour but still rejected SDL’s offer to join cabinet.
“While that may be what we have gone through in past two elections, for now we hope that the two leaders will put the interest of the nation and resolve to work together,” Mr Apted said.
“If a situation arises that both parties will not be able to work together, then we will go back to the situation that existed in the previous government where the FLP remained in the opposition.”
The constitution requires the leading party to invite any other political party that has 10 percent membership of parliament to be part of a multiparty cabinet.
Both the SDL and FLP are pursuing the two independent members – Robin Irwin and George Konrote to give them the absolute majority in parliament to form the next government.
Mr Irwin told PACNEWS from his home in Savusavu that he has not decided which way he will throw his support.
“I was misrepresented by the media," Mr Irwin said. "I said I will support the party that has a pro investment and pro-private sector development policies. I will also look at the party that will improve the basic infrastructure needs of my constituents.
“I am for a Look North policy – policies that will create employment, stop urban drift and reduce poverty in Vanua Levu," Mr Irwin said.
He told PACNEWS that pushing for a cabinet position was not a priority.
Mr Irwin and caretaker PM Laisenia Qarase will meet in Suva tomorrow.
The other independent candidate, former diplomat, George Konrote said his options were still open.
As of this evening, SDL has won 34 seats and the Fiji Labour Party has 30 seats. The United People’s Party and independents have two seats each.
Three more open seats are yet to be declared. One of the constituencies, Laucala Open, is being recounted after an invalid vote was found with one of the candidates votes.
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