Leaders welcome decision

Fiji's Leader of the Opposition and the president of SODELPA have welcomed the decision by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to defer the flag decision to 2016.

In a joint statement, Ro Teimumu Kepa and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said while the Prime Minister's decision to extend the consultation period was welcomed, they hoped that at the end of the exercise, all views, including those who wanted to retain the current flag would be heard.

The SODELPA leaders said if most wanted a change, then so be it.

"But if the majority wants our flag retained, then we encourage the Prime Minister to listen to the wishes of the people as he has done on this occasion."

Earlier Tuesday, SODELPA youths accompanied by Ro Teimumu and party general secretary Pio Tabaiwalu staged a short march from the FBC roundabout to the office of the Department of Information to lodge 11,178 objections against the new flag designs.

SODELPA youth secretary Laisani Qaqanilawa said youth members were delighted with the decision as it was a fitting end to a campaign undertaken by the youth of SODELPA despite some very difficult situations.

The leaders said the PM's decision was victory for democracy and that the people's voices were heard.