PDP launches its manifesto

With 66 days to go for the September 17th general election, the People’s Democratic Party is the first political party to launch its manifesto today.

Party leader, Felix Anthony launched the manifesto in front of more than 100 supporters at Saraswati College in Nausori after a Delegates Meeting which also saw the appointment of Adi Sivia Qoro as the party’s Deputy Leader.

According to the People’s Democratic Party’s manifesto, it will reinstate the Great Council of Chiefs, remove any decrees that restrict freedom, reform the Itaukei Land Trust Board, provide tax concessions to encourage the recruitment of new employees, limit the size of government, review the Fiji National Provident Fund Pension Scheme and extend the retirement age to 60 years on a voluntary basis.

The PDP also said that it will continue with the free tuition to all students at all levels.

Other provisions such as bus fares for school children attending school will continue to be provided.

In addition, the party said it will rationalise and facilitate free meals for poor students coming from rural setting.

The People’s Democratic Party also revealed that it will continue merit based scholarships but put in measures to ensure that the students on scholarship are able to make their own choice.

These scholarships will also be on a need basis.

Felix Anthony also revealed that as immediate measures the party will reinstate all FNPF pension pay outs to be based on 15 percent as per the previous agreement and also introduce a means tested pension scheme for all citizens over the age of 60 at the initial rate of $120 per month.

Anthony also said that they will remove VAT on electricity charges for those that fall within the means test qualification and provide free water supply.

The PDP is also promising to provide free medical treatment to this group and all the charges will be waived.

When questioned by Fijivillage on how the new programs being proposed by the PDP will be funded, Anthony said they will find a way as details on government finances have not been revealed by the current government.

Anthony also said the GCC will be reinstated by the PDP immediately if it forms the next government.

He said the party will get the advice of the GCC on any matters relating to the Itaukei.

However he admits that the reinstated GCC will not have a constitutional role.

Anthony also stressed that changes will have to be made to the 2013 constitution as the document was imposed on the people.

Felix Anthony said that media ownership will be reviewed to ensure that there is no monopoly and any control of government over any media outlet will be removed.

Anthony also denies that the PDP is continuing to attack the media although the party is getting coverage from a number of media outlets.

He claimed that some of his statements are not being run as some media get a comment from the government before running them.

Anthony said government statements are run without taking the PDP’s comments.

When asked on government ownership of media, Anthony said he sees nothing wrong in government owning FBC Radio and Television however he said there should be no interference.