Rabuka reveals a number of issues SODELPA will look at in their manifesto

SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed a number of issues SODELPA will look at in its manifesto which include the review of the constitution, setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, scrapping the term contracts of the civil servants, increase the retirement age of civil servants to 60 years, remove the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme and the reintroduction of the scholarship scheme.

Although detailed information has not been revealed, Rabuka has hinted that a SODELPA government will look into these issues.

He says the review of the constitution is necessary.

SODELPA says any changes to the constitution will go through the process under the constitution which requires the support of 75 percent of parliament and 75 percent of registered voters through a referendum.

Rabuka says they will assemble a National Economic Summit after 3 months in office to develop government’s short term and long term plans.

He says they will reintroduce the tripartite machinery to include government, employers and employees to address issues relating to our labour market.

The SODELPA Leader says the civil servants’ contracts have to go.

Rabuka says they will have a public holiday for International Women’s Day and they will also zero rate VAT for basic need food items.

The SODELPA Leader says they will focus on the sustainable use of natural resources in partnership with resource owners and this will be the key to unlocking the full potential, particularly for the indigenous people.

Rabuka also says that those who are familiar with our estate forests know that these estate forests were supposed to revert to the owners. He says this has not taken place and a SODELPA government will do that.

We are currently trying to get detailed information and clarification on some of these issues highlighted by Rabuka in a SODELPA gathering in Sydney.

He says the party will launch it’s manifesto at Furnival Park in April.

SODELPA General Secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi says the Manifesto Committee is still working on the draft in consultation with the party’s key stakeholders.

On the amendment to the 2013 Constitution, Adi Litia says the people of Fiji will decide through consultation and dialogue, and a referendum as required under the 2013 Constitution. She says let the people decide as any change to the Constitution will be decided by the power of the people.