Padarath questioned on why FLP backs GCC's return

Fiji Labour Party President, Lavenia Padarath has been questioned on why the FLP wants to bring back the Great Council of Chiefs as it will be a waste of taxpayers’ money and will only benefit the elite i-Taukei.

This question was raised by a Nadawa resident after Padarath made it clear that the GCC will be reinstated if the FLP forms the next government.

Padarath maintains that the Fiji Labour Party will bring back the GCC as it cannot be removed by an illegal government.

Meanwhile FijiFirst Party leader, Voreqe Bainimarama has made it clear that he will maintain his stand not to bring back the Great Council of Chiefs as it was not looking after the interests of all the people of the country.

Bainimarama stressed that the GCC was one of the most undemocratic institutions Fiji ever had and only looked after the i-Taukei.

Bainimarama said that he does not understand why various political parties such as SODELPA, FLP, and PDP are saying that they will reinstate the GCC.

He said people should not get the wrong idea about the removal of the GCC as the chiefs 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 i-Taukei should be governed.

National Federation Party President, Tupou Draunidalo has said that the NFP has always respected the rights of the i-Taukei 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.

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.