These fundamentals must be addressed before any new government is put in place. As I see it, the only way forward is for the constitution to spell out key principles of governance that must be adhered to by all elected governments.

These should include, among other good governance provisions, principles related to social policies and to proper management of the economy and State finances, with restrictions on irresponsible borrowing and imprudent debt levels.

If we genuinely aspire to create a progressive, just and fair society then we must have the courage of our convictions to embrace substantial reforms – political, social and economic.

The People’s Charter for a Better Fiji is an avenue through which such necessary reforms can be achieved by dialogue and consensus. There is no ‘force of guns’^[4] – community leaders and civil society, including political parties, have been invited to participate.

For the first time, a serious and genuine attempt is being made to address fundamental problems that have haunted us for 20 years or more – let us use the opportunity wisely to address those wrongs that have maintained a stranglehold on our nation for far too long for the benefit of a select few, and that have stifled national growth, equity and prosperity in the process.

The people of Fiji deserve better.