No end in sight for Fiji deadlock

Qarase failed to satisfy the opposition's demands

Fiji's Supreme Court has failed to resolve a political deadlock over the composition of a multi-party cabinet.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase had offered 14 of the 36 seats to the Indian-dominated opposition, but its leader Mahendra Chaudhry wanted 17.

The court has now ruled that the two sides must work out their problems.

The dispute arose over interpretation of a constitution designed to promote multi-racial decision-making after years of ethnic tension in Fiji.

The impasse between Mr Qarase's nationalist Soqosoqo Duavata Lewenivanua party, representing indigenous Fijians, and the opposition Fiji Labour Party began after the 2001 election, which Mr Qarase won.

The election was the first to be held since a nationalist coup in May 2000 deposed the ethnic-Indian government led by Mr Chaudhry, who has remained in charge of the Labour Party.

Political turmoil

Under the country's constitution, which pre-dates the coup, the larger opposition parties must have representation at the top table of government in proportion to how well they do at the polls.

The Labour Party had insisted it was entitled to 17 seats, but Mr Qarase offered 14 places.

The Supreme Court was asked to steer a path through these conflicting interpretations of the multi-racial constitution, designed to foster a government of national unity in a country divided by race.

In a 46-page ruling, Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki said it was the responsibility of both parties to work together to try to resolve their problems.

The BBC's Phil Mercer in Sydney says the Supreme Court has steered clear of deciding the make-up of cabinet, which it sees as a political issue.

Our correspondent says it is likely Mr Chaudhry will launch yet another constitutional challenge in the courts.

More political turmoil almost certainly lies ahead for Fiji while the South Pacific country's most powerful elected leaders continue to pull in opposite directions, he adds.