Pacific

Land policies urged before Fiji elections

05:12 am on 3 July 2014

The Citizens Constitutional Forum in Fiji is urging politicians to clearly outline their policies on the controversial issue of land before September's election.

The CCF's head Reverend Akuila Yabaki says land has been an underlying issue in Fiji's coups, and many people have expressed concern about the loss of iTaukei control over land set out in the 2013 Constitution.

He says just three months out from the election, the issue has hardly been touched by political parties, and politicians must start talking with their supporters and relevant stakeholders.

"We are encouraging politicians to start engaging with the landlords and tenants, the iTaukei Land Trust Board. We need some clearly researched proposals so that we can find solutions, as the history of land issues in this country is having an effect of instilling fear and creating uncertainty among land owners and tenants."

Reverend Akuila Yabaki says the CCF plans to run a forum, with all political leaders present, to come up with collaborative solutions.