Political upheaval continues..

Regional Politics
Fiji
People view the situation in Fiji from different perspectives.

The military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama has so far stood his ground. He wants a new government because he says those in the current government are corrupt. He also has supporters who share the same views.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s highest traditional body, the Great Council of Chiefs, has refused to recognize the military’s seizure of executive authority in the country. The chairman, of the Council, Ratu Ovini Bokini, says they only recognize Ratu Josefa Iloilo as the president, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi as the vice president and Laisenia Qarase as the legitimate prime minister.

Where are you Big Brothers?
In the next few days, the situation will become clear as international pressure from development partners and other institutions bear on the crisis. The Pacific region's big brothers, Australia and New Zealand have so far refused to send in military to intervene but have indicated severing development help to Fiji, unless the elected government is re-instated.

When the social unrest started in Solomon Islands in the late 90s, the big brothers also refused intervention in the islands. Of course, the situations in Solomon Islands and Fiji are different.

But do Australia and New Zealand wait until Fiji is down on its knees before intervening in the situation? That would put islands nations in a situation which create dependency on the big brothers. What's your opinion? Only time will tell.

Provincial Elections
Isabel and Central Provinces yesterday went to the polls to elect new Provincal Assembly members. The results are trickling in.

Isabel Province Elections
At the time of this posting three results have been declared in Isabel. They are in the Maringe-Kokota Constituency.

Buala Ward's elected member is the former deputy provincial Secretary Reuben Dotho. Hugo Meimana has retained his seat in the Tirotongana Ward and Premier James Habu stood unopposed in the Kokota Ward.

Results of the remaining 13 seats in the 16 member Provincial Assembly are expected to be declared tomorrow.

Central Province Elections
Florida(Gela Islands) - 5 Wards
Results of two of the five wards in the Gela Islands group have been declared. They are for Central Gela - Robert Kande and for Tulagi, Charles Kunu.

Results for Sandfly/Buenvesta, South Gela and North Gela Wards are not available at the time of this posting.

Savo Island - 2 Wards
Results for the two wards on Savo Islands have been declared. Stanley Manetiva has won the North Savo seat and Patrick Vasuni retained the South Savo post.

Russell Islands - 3 Wards
Results for Banika, Pavuvu and Lavukal Wards are yet to be declared.