Important
p. 10 · Read in the full issue
Advances For Fiji In New Constitution
An enlarged Legislative Council and the extension of adult franchise to Chinese, Rotumans and other Pacific Islanders are two of the main features of the new constitution for Fiji recommended by the London conference.
A third important feature is a system of cross-voting under which electors of all races will vote in three electorates for Fijian, Indian and European candidates, on a common roll.
The new Legco, elected for five years, will comprise: Fijians elected on Fijian com munal rolls, comprising Fijians, Rotumans and other Islanders 9 Fijians elected by Council of Chiefs 2 Indians elected on Indian com munal rolls 9 Europeans or others elected on communal rolls of Europeans, part-Europeans and Chinese 7 Each of three constituencies into which Colony to be divided, each with a common roll, to elect one Fijian (or other Islander) one Indian, and one European (or Chinese, or part-European) 9 Total membership 36 Plus four official members.
It is calculated that the above system probably will produce, in elected members, 14 Fijians (or Islanders), 13 Indians, and 10 Europeans (or Chinese, or part- Europeans).
For the purpose of elections, Chinese will be regarded as Europeans, and Rotumans and other Pacific Islanders will be considered Fijians. They will be eligible both to vote and to stand for election.
Other features of the new constitution are that: • The Governor will ap point a Council of Ministers from the Legislative Council.
He will also retain control over defence, external affairs and internal security. • Public Service, Police, and Judicial and Legal Service Commissions will be appointed.