SODELPA welcomes assurance by the military that it will accept the outcome of the elections in 2018

SODELPA has welcomed the assurance by the military that it will accept the outcome of the elections in 2018 and defend the rule of law. 

SODELPA parliamentarian Mosese Bulitavu says that RFMF Chief of Staff Colonel Jone Kalouniwai, made the statement in response to Bulitavu’s budget speech who questioned the recent outburst and threats by the military on selected political leaders and parties.

Bulitavu expressed doubt whether the military would accept a change of government in 2018.

He says SODELPA wishes to make it categorically clear to the RFMF and the people of Fiji that their statement in parliament were

responsible and was based and made in response to what the Chief of the Staff was saying.

Bulitavu says as the alternative government, SODELPA cannot shy away from threats.

He says the Opposition has nothing against the military and was making a constructive intervention when clarification was sought from the military.

Bulitavu says they respect the role and contributions of the military at home and at the international level which he says a SODELPA Government will enhance as per its manifesto.

He says the misconception that SODELPA is anti‑military should not be there if it is there or promoted as such by some unscrupulous elements.

Bulitavu says the statement by the military that it will accept the outcome of the elections in 2018 is praiseworthy and warmly welcomed.

The RFMF had said last month that once again, they are hearing the usual rhetoric coming in different shapes and forms using communal divisions through ethnicity, race and religion to push a specific agenda for political gains.

The RFMF said that the National Federation Party President Pio Tikoduadua’s statement that the people’s security lies with the goodwill of all communities particularly the iTaukei cannot go unchallenged, given what the constitution mandates the RFMF which is the overall responsibility to ensure at all times the security, defense and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.

The RFMF says their very own National Security Strategy has identified the sustainable well-being of Fiji and all Fijians at the top of its list of identified security priorities for Fiji.