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Tara Chetty: “We call on Privileges Committee and Government Members to reconsider [Draunidalo suspension], which we feel is disproportionate and unnecessarily deprives voters of engaged and active representative”

6/6/2016

7 Comments

 
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The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is calling on the Parliamentary Privileges Committee and Government members to reconsider the suspension of NFP President and Opposition MP Tupou Draunidalo for the remaining term of the current Fiji Parliament.

MP Draunidalo was suspended based on the recommendation of the Committee, which reported contravention of Standing Order 62 (4) (a) and (d). NGOCHR Chair, Tara Chetty said the Coalition considers the lengthy suspension to be a direct injustice to the 2,966 voters who cast their vote for Ms Draunidalo in the 2014 elections, as well as further worsening the gender balance in Parliament. With Draunidalo’s suspension, there are now just 7 women in Fiji’s 50-member Parliament, a ratio of only 14% women to 86% men.

“We call on the Privileges Committee and Government Members to reconsider this decision, which we feel is disproportionate and unnecessarily deprives voters of an engaged and active representative,” she said.

“It is the Coalition’s understanding that the incident could more appropriately have been raised as a Point of Order during the debate on 2 June 2016, allowing the Speaker to immediately rule on the issue as outlined in the Standing Orders. Instead, the matter was raised much later on the basis of an audio clip that was then referred to the Privileges Committee.”

“Removing a Member of Parliament in this way is likely to dissuade other Parliamentarians from thoroughly debating national issues. Yet democracy is all about debate, a diversity of views, and vigorous but productive disagreement.”

“This incident is significant because it undermines the perception of Fiji’s democracy and our Parliamentary process. It is not just about those who voted for Ms Draunidalo, but for all voters - will our issues be debated robustly in Parliament or is it going to become an increasingly hollow process?,” Ms Chetty added. Source: Fijilive

7 Comments
Samjha
7/6/2016 03:31:12 am

I have no doubts about the sincerity and commitment to democracy and parliamentary process of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights and other Fiji civil society groups in Fiji. They all want what's best for the country. But the problem with them is that they have unwittingly accepted the masquerade of parliamentary democracy in Fiji. They must pull their heads out of the sand and face the reality which is that the Bainimarama-Khaiyum dictatorship has merely adorned itself with a democratic garb. Has any dictatorship anywhere shown a commitment to robust public debate and diversity of views let alone disagreements?

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Tui
7/6/2016 04:08:00 am

You go girl, good and courageous stand to aiyaz khaiyum

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Welcome Home
7/6/2016 05:42:23 am

Well-argued, succinct case,Tara Chetty. Ms Draunidalo deserves proportionate and honourable treatment. The women voters of Fiji deserve and require that the leader of any respectable and engaged party such as NFP receive equitable process. For too long this has not been so. Times are changing as the poll in Puerto Rico tells us today. The 45th US President may prove this in November 2016. Will Ms Draunidalo still be suspended then?

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WellProtected
7/6/2016 08:37:23 am

The Parliament of Fiji protects Woman - One woman. -Aunty Nur Bano- the rest don't matter.

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LetsBClear
7/6/2016 08:30:38 am

Fiji Parliament should have a clear list of banned words, printed and displayed together with a list of approved alternatives that the members can use. For example, if any member feels an urge (which they often do) to call Bai or Kai or Topper -'a Fool' (a banned word) then they can use the word 'Obtuse' (an approved word) instead.

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On-Song
8/6/2016 12:29:04 am

Tara Chetty has spoken and Rosy Akbar needs to pay attention and listen. Sitting right behind the monkey minister exposes all your mood swings and shameful antics, buttering up to all that nonsense from the front row goons and rendering yourself Obtuse. Going out to the communities in all your falsehood and charade (absurd pretence); maybe all 'looks' but just hollow interior. It can be amusing watching you and that Koya crook.

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Welcome Home
8/6/2016 08:31:16 am

Tara Chetty and Shamima Ali might care to view the Victim Impact Statement on CNN which is featured today to highlight in great detail a rape of a woman on the Campus of Stanford University in the USA. The rapist was an alumnus of Stanford and a prize-winning swimmer. He was given a six month prison sentence in lieu of six years asked for by the Prosecutor. He was however placed for life on the Sex Offenders Register. Some years ago, we repeatedly called for a Fiji Sex Offenders Register after these serial rapes became commonplace. No official heed was taken. However, CNN has ensured that this victim has had her Statement "Go Global" It is stunningly direct, specific and detailed and she was permitted by the presiding judge to address it directly to her assailant. The tide is turning and after more than ninety hours dedicated to observing in Fiji Courts, it seems time for the victims of rape, incest and sexual assaults to be permitted this option: shame the perpetrators with the specifics of the crime for all the world to hear. They must come into the light of day and receive professional reporting with the acceptance of the Court and the victims. It may take a while but it may assist in balancing the Scales of Justice? The post-rape medical protocols also are revealed: exhaustive and in themselves akin to subsequent violation.

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