History may

Editorial

History may repeat itself

ALTHOUGH it is a general assumption of national elec tions that the party with the support of the majority of peo ple gets into power, as Fiji and other places such as Venezuela have shown, this does not

always follow through. If the vocal pub lic does not go along with the result, there could be hell to pay.

It is a sad fact, but, in Fiji’s case any way, it is true.

If there is one lesson to be learnt from the heady days of Fijian nationalism just after the 1987 military coups, it is that the power of the vocal masses could never be under-estimated.

However, since that fateful day, 12 years ago - when democracy was rudely awakened - Fijians have learnt a very important lesson. They have found that if

they apply their collective approach to

life to protests, they get better results than

following the system. Today, landowners in Fiji are using this very same tactic in order to further their own ends.

If and when they do not appreciate the way the Native Land Trust Board is han dling their rental payments, they protest.

Usually their demands are met in part if not full. So they have continued to taste the sweet success of protest.

The Fijian culture of protest, thus far, has mostly involved putting up road blocks by laying a plank of wood across a road. While this may not seem like it would stop traffic, it literally does. And considering the fact that, in many areas, there is only one road in and out of some

where, it is very effective.

What this should signify to political candidates is that Fijians - who now make up the majority of people in the country - are no longer satis fied with their lot in life. They

want more. With a national general elec tion coming up next month, the people of Fiji have been given a chance to have their say.

In fact, according to the new constitu tion, they must have their say, or face a fine. Now is the time to voice concerns.

Now is the time for the vocal masses to make a stand. Not after the fact.

One can only hope that the build-up to next elections does not involve false promises of riches at the end of the rain bow, and that politicians will be able to fulfil their manifestoes. Perhaps this way, history may get out this habit of repeating itself. ■