SUVA, Fiji (12 Sep 2001) -- There is no sign of a resolution to Fiji's political crisis after the new Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, named an 18-strong cabinet that includes no ethnic Indians. Mr Qarase's exclusion of the Indian-dominated Labour Party (FLP) from his coalition is in defiance of the constitution, which says any party with eight or more seats is entitled to cabinet positions. Mahendra Chaudhry says he will take his case to court The FLP leader, former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry who was deposed in a coup by indigenous Fijians last year, said on Wednesday he would take legal action. Mr Qarase's Nationalist party won 31 seats in the recent general election, the Labour party was only four behind with 27 seats. The prime minister defended his decision by saying his rival's proposals would have led to an unworkable government. Speight supporters Mr Qarase was appointed prime minister following Fiji's first elections since Mr Chaudhry was ousted in a coup led by failed businessman turned nationalist figurehead, George Speight, 15 months ago. Among the cabinet members sworn in on Wednesday were two supporters of Mr Speight: Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu; and Isireli Leweniqila. They will hold posts responsible for land affairs, and youth and sport. | | Qarase vs Chaudhry Reports say the two were appointed only after agreeing not to press for immunity for Mr Speight. He is currently being held in prison awaiting trial for treason. Mr Qarase said there was possibility of appointing an ethnic-Indian minister depending on the outcome of one outstanding parliamentary seat due to be contested later in the month. The candidate is for Mr Qarase's SDL party is expected to be ethnic-Indian former assistant minister George Shiu Raj. In May 2000, gunmen led by George Speight deposed Mr Chaudhry and laid siege to the nation's parliament, demanding a decisive governmental role for ethnic Fijians. His Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua (MV) nationalist group won six seats in the election. |
