Changes Loom in the First 100 Days

 Policy changes are expected as the newly elected Fijian coalition Government leads the country into the next four years.

The majority party in Government, The People’s Alliance (PA), in its first 100-day plan, has assured that the new Government would not be a one-man or two-man decision making Government.

However, it has promised to be a Government based on inclusive and consultative approach to key decisions that affect the people of Fiji.

The new Government hopes to undertake the following tasks in the first 100 days:

PARLIAMENT (LEGISLATURE)

• Review Standing Orders such Standing Order 51 for clarity and to ensure transparency and accountability;
• Review and the realignment of remuneration and associated allowance for all Parliamentarians;
• Enable the process of call for division on Westminster principles without reprisal and invocation of party defection clause/s;
• Appointment of Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be reviewed;
• Select Committee Chairmanships to be reviewed - for example, the Public Accounts Committee Chair to be Leader of Opposition. 

EXECUTIVE

• Realigning the existing portfolios to ensure effective and efficient implementation of The People’s Alliance government agenda;
• Consolidate the government decision-making machinery that is transparent and accountable to support the effective implementation of Government’s development programmes;
• Review the laws and provisions for appointments to ensure the independence of bodies such as the Electoral Commission, FICAC and Constitutional Offices Commission; and
• Ensure the separation of powers to be the fundamental guiding principles towards independence and impartiality of crucial institutions. 

LAW AND ORDER /RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS

• Removal of laws and decrees that undermine human rights, media freedom, freedom of association, individual and group rights;
• Review the current public holidays;
• Review all ‘travel ban’ and declarations of ‘prohibited immigrants’;
• Under the party’s doctrine of love, the Formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be initiated to heal the pains and scars left by the events of 1987, 2000 and 2006;
• Preparatory work for the Local Government elections shall be initiated to ensure elections within 12 months;
• The requirement that women use their maiden name(s) to vote shall be repealed;
• Restructure the Judiciary to ensure speedy delivery of justice;
• Phase out FICAC and incorporate the functions to the relevant existing agencies;
• Reconvene the ‘Commission of the Prerogative of Mercy’ to consider applications for mercy from correctional facilities;
• Establishment of a Land Claims Tribunal; and
• Review the Foreign Investment Act to ensure transparency and better enforcement of regulations

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