'Akanete protests against FIHRDM decision [1]
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - 19:49. Updated on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - 16:15.
‘Akanete Lauti, the former Director of the Friendly Islands Human Rights and Democracy Movement, who resigned in order to run in the April General Election, is disappointed with the decision that an assessment will be done to determine her comeback.
"It is undemocratic, political and unfair," said 'Akanete today, saying that she put in her resignation because it is a compulsory requirement for paid workers at FIHRDM when running for election.
The working clause of FIHRDM stated that if one failed to get into Parliament then one can return to their position, she said, adding that the decision by the Advisory Committee to do an assessment to determine whether she can return to her position or not was unfair.
"The reason why I am jumping to conclusions is because I queried the timing and the process of this assessment. Why are they doing it now? Because although it is required to be held twice a year they haven't done it before."
Another reason she thinks this decision is unfair is that she knows the criteria for the assessment is to be drafted by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee Rev Simote Vea.
"Why didn't they draft the criteria and show it to me while I was in office so that I know what I will be assessed on. They are only drafting it now while am at home and that is why I am jumping to conclusions because I know they have pre determined the results", she said.
No new funds
Meanwhile, the Development Liaison Officer of FIRHDM, Po'oi Pohiva said that one of the reasons for assessing the performance was because one of 'Akanete's main responsibilities was to try and tap into new funds to run the office, however there were no new funds coming in and the existing funds were getting exhausted.
Po'oi also clarified that the decision for an assessment was not 'Akilisi's as claimed by this local media but it was solely by the Chairman and the Advisory Committee.
Local media also reported that the move was to discourage 'Akanete from running for election thereby stealing votes for star Demo candidates.
Demo Committee
The members of the Advisory Committee include: 'Akilisi Pohiva, Finau Tutone, Talimaka Hununiu, Gaby 'Ilolahia, 'Uliti Uata, 'Isileli Pulu, Rev Tevita Koloamatangi, Semisi Tapueluelu and Lepolo Taunisila.
Meanwhile, no time has been set for when the assessment will be conducted.