FijiFirst Party leader, Voreqe Bainimarama has made it clear that he will maintain his stand not to bring back the Great Council of Chiefs.
Bainimarama made this statement while speaking in Rakiraki and he said that he does not understand the idea on why various political parties such as SODELPA, FLP, NFP and PDP are saying that they will reinstate the Great Council of Chiefs.
Despite concerns raised by these political parties, Bainimarama said he is firm on his decision.
Bainimarama stated that one of the main reasons for the removal of the GCC is for our chiefs not to be involved in politics.
He said this was evident in 1999 when the SVT party lost the elections and a decision was made for them to go and present an apology to the GCC for having lost the election for the Itaukei.
Bainimarama revealed he was also present in that meeting at the Tradewinds Hotel in Lami when Ratu Jope Seniloli the SVT leader at the time was called in to present the apology.
Bainimarama said he was shocked to see that only a few people came to present the apology but were later joined by many of the chiefs who were already at the meeting as they were all members of the SVT Party.
Bainimarama stressed that this should never happen as the chiefs
are there to look after the welfare of its people and not to be involved in politics through the GCC.
He said people should not get the wrong idea about the removal of the GCC as the chiefs will remain as leaders in our villages and no one will take away their authority over the land and its people.
The Great Council of Chiefs was created by the first colonial governor, Sir Arthur Gordon in 1876, following his consultations with an assembly of chiefs on how the Itaukei should be governed.
Council members advised the Governor with regards to policy on indigenous affairs, and, until 1963, selected indigenous representatives for the colonial Parliament.
Among its nominees to Parliament in the 1950s and early 1960s were Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, Ratu Kamisese Mara, Ratu George Cakobau, Ratu Edward Cakobau and Ratu Penaia Ganilau, who were to ascend to positions of leadership or significant influence in government.
In 1963, this function of the Council was abolished as indigenous Fijians obtained the right to elect their representatives to Parliament.
National Federation Party President, Tupou Draunidalo said the NFP has always respected the rights of the Itaukei and will call a meeting of all chiefs in the country in its first 100 days in office if they form the next government.
She said the party will then ask the chiefs on whether they want the GCC back.
SODELPA’s manifesto states that it will restore and strengthen the GCC.
It also said that it will restore the independence and autonomy of Itaukei institutions if it forms the next government.
Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry has also said that FLP will reinstate the GCC.
The People’s Democratic Party states in its manifesto that the party recognizes the important role of the GCC as an institution and the role of chiefs in modern Fiji.
PDP said it will reinstate the GCC and will assist it to promote indigenous customs and traditions and to improve the economic well-being of the Itaukei people.
PDP Leader, Felix Anthony also said that the party will be guided by the advice of the GCC on all matters relating to the protection of indigenous rights and interests.
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