Q1: Explain the manifestos of political parties contented the 1977 elections? Why 1977 election became important in context of a constitutional crisis? [NFP won the elections and still not formed the government. Why?
THE FIJI NATIONALIST PARTY:
Establishment of a Fijian Institute to teach Fijians in business. Pensions for ex-servicemen. Indians should be repatriated to India after Fiji gained full independence. More Government development projects should be concentrated in rural areas. Expansion of the Royal Fiji Military Forces' trade section to help ease unemployment. The return to Fijians of all land that was illegally sold. The interests of the Fijians will be paramount at all times. The Fijians must always hold the positions of Governor-General, Prime Minister, and Minister for Fijian Affairs and Rural Development, Minister for Lands, Minister for Education, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Commerce Industry and Co-operatives. More opportunities should be given for Fijians to enter business and commerce. Total opposition to common roll. Strengthen Fijian Administration and the Government should give it financial backing and support.
ALLIANCE PARTY:
Assistance for those in rural areas and maritime islands, increase food production, free education, the agricultural Landlords and Tenants Act (1976), Land Convention and the Law of the Sea Conference.
NATIONAL FEDERATION PARTY:
Tax structure bounded with free education, free medical services and reduced rents for their leases
The disagreement, that could not be withstand, kept the idea from shaping an administration, over the questions about authority and the clerical positions in the administrations. The Governor-General, reappointed the Alliance leader, Ratu Mara, and requested another political decision for the election that year, the NFP was forcefully overpowered. In this case it can be said that they feel Fiji should be led by a native to conserve and preserve their way of living.
Q2. Which all political parties contested 1982 election and what were their manifestos? What were the reasons of Alliance victory over NFP-WUP Coalition?
ALLIANCE PARTY:
- Assistance for those in rural areas and maritime islands,
- increase food production, free education,
- The agricultural Landlords and Tenants Act (1976), Land Convention and the Law of the Sea Conference.
NATIONAL FEDERATION PARTY:
- Tax structure bounded with free education,
- free medical services and
- reduced rents for their leases
WESTERN UNITED FRONT:
- Protect and encourage the unity of western Fijians.
- Protect the interests of landowners and to defend their rights to develop their resources according to their aspirations.
- Seek changes in the Ministry of Fijian Affairs and Rural Development to improve the lives of western Fijians.
- Improve educational facilities of western Fijians and provide them opportunities in commercial and industrial enterprises.