Soldiers may rule

FIJI

LESS than a month after scrapping a draft constitution that would have sidelined Fiji’s military from politics, coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama says soldiers will have a place in governance.

Speaking to Fiji Military Forces during a medal presentation ceremony, he urged his troops to stay alert and not be caught by surprise.

Bainimarama, who seized power in a 2006 coup, has promised democracy-restoring elections next year and had a panel, part-funded with New Zealand aid of $500,000, draw up Fiji’s fourth constitution.

Early last month, when the panel chairman, Kenyan law professor Yash Ghai, tried to publish the draft he wrote, the Fiji police seized proofs and burned them.

The draft would have limited the future role of the military in politics and told soldiers they need not obey illegal orders.

The military has been responsible for all Fiji’s four coups.

Bainimarama scrapped the draft and said he would produce a new version by the end of January. This has not happened.

He told soldiers the new constitution might be out by next month, presented to a new constituent assembly with members he had appointed.

The Yash Gai version ‘‘did not coincide with the government’s intentions’’, he said.