Fiji constitution comes into operation
Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has assented to Fiji’s new constitution as promised, and described the document as the “blueprint” for the country’s Future direction. Of the metropolitan countries, Japan was the first to offer its congratulatory message, and expressed support for proposed elections slated for September 2014. In addition, members of the Pacific Islands Forum have also welcomed Fiji’s progress towards democratic elections, but any decision to invite Fiji back into the fold will only be decided after elections.
Since the unveiling of the constitution on August 22, there has been little adverse reaction from the Fijians themselves, although a small group of demonstrators did try to express their disapproval, but were soon disbanded by police and taken in for questioning.
