Fiji's NFP party considers withdrawing from parliament

The leader of Fiji's opposition National Federation Party says its members will this month consider whether its three MPs should leave parliament.

Biman Prasad says the opposition is frustrated by the lack of momentum in the parliament, which was restarted after elections in 2014.

He says his party is constantly hamstrung in its ability to carry out its functions by restrictions and a lack of resources for the opposition, and what he considers a bias towards the governing Fiji First party.

Dr Prasad says the party's committee will meet on January 31 when members will decide the future, which could involve the party's three MPs withdrawing from parliament.

"The political parties participated in the election and the hope was that once we had a parliament, whoever was in government would be able to engage with the parties in opposition. Really, it's time to take stock, to review the way in which we want to participate in this so-called democracy."

Dr Prasad says consultations will be made with the public and the other opposition party, Sodelpa, before a final decision is made.

     

Author: 
Radio New Zealand International