SUVA, Fiji Islands (May 3, 2001 – Radio Australia)---Fiji's failed coup leader George Speight has confirmed that he is ready to become a candidate for political office and will run in August’s general elections.
Interviewed by national radio, Speight said he is not yet a member of any political party.
From Suva, Radio Australia correspondent Ofa Kaukimoce reports:
"According to the civilian coup leader there are no legal obstacles to stop him from contesting the general elections.
"Speight says he will be honored if he is approached by a political party.
"One of his accomplices, former Fijian Association Party Parliamentarian Ratu Timoci Silatolu, has also shown interest in contesting the August elections.
"The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Ratu Josua Toganivalu, indicated earlier that Speight is eligible to contest the general elections unless convicted by a court of law.
"Speight and his remaining accomplices, imprisoned on...