Your views

‘A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself’

Democracy Dewan Chand,

Suva

On 15th September, 2020, the International Day of Democracy was celebrated. Therefore, I assume that all democratic countries marked this important international day in one form or the other.

Simply because this form of governance is considered the best form of managing a society/country.

In pursuit for more information on democracy, I started searching about democracy, read a few articles and had discussions with some friends. All indications were that the central core of democracy is the people’s power. Abraham Lincoln is said to have defined democracy as “government of the people, government by the people and the government for the people”. In other words, people choose their representatives (votes/ ballot box) to form a government and look after the affairs of the country. Furthermore, the three pillars of democracy are: 1. Executive ( government and its agencies) 2. Legislature (Parliament and State assemblies) 3. Judiciary (Court system) and the fourth pillar is the media to ensure free flow of information. For free speech is cardinal in a democracy.

Freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom to pursue chosen careers to make personal wealth. Principles of human rights, justice, fair play and a level playing field for all. However, in reality does it exist? We dread to think of a dictatorial form of government such as communism, fascism or totalitarian form of government where freedoms are crushed by use of State power. Extra-judicial killings are common and there is no way to question the actions of the government.

India is the world’s largest democracy based on the British Westminster model. The United States of America is fashioned along the Presidential form of democracy. In Fiji, we have a democratic form of government where accountability, transparency and good governance are its hallmark, where people’s power is central.

You should count your lucky stars to be living in a democratic Fiji.

COVID-19 travel bubble

Norman Yee, Nadi

Although there continues to be new COVID-19 cases recorded each day in Australia and New Zealand, I am puzzled that the Australian High Commissioner seems to think that there would be a Tasman Bubble before there would be a Bula Bubble with either of these countries.

This is when Fiji continues not to have any new community transmissions.

I am not sure of the reasoning for this at all. Maybe someone could elaborate?

Road condition

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Seeing the state of the Kalokalo Crescent Road in Makoi, most cane access roads in the West are in much better condition. Care to comment, FRA!