In his book, ‘Aryan Avatars,’ author Mahendra Sukhdeo argues that Fijians in Fiji must decide on their own brand of democracy. A hung Parliament or any sign of instability may prompt the military seize power again resulting in more chaos and endless coups.
New Zealand should evince interest in the political wellbeing of Fiji, which has the potential to be the leading light of the South Pacific.
The Electoral Decree outlines the regulations underpinning Fiji’s first election in eight years, due to be held on September 17.
There is increased international confidence that Interim Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama will stand by his pledge to hold democratic elections.
The latest announcements have also led the governments of Australia and New Zealand to lift officially the remaining travel restrictions on Fijian government officials and their families visiting the two countries (although in practice the sanctions had been eased significantly in recent months).
Most of the election rules outlined in the Electoral Decree are fairly standard and, importantly, it contains a clause declaring it unlawful to use state authority to pressurise or intimidate the political opposition. However, a provision extending a media blackout on political advertising (from two days before the election) to the communication of political messages by telephone or by any form of electronic media—with harsh penalties for non-compliance—has caused some consternation.
Some parties have also expressed concerns about the possible lack of independence of the Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem, who resigned his position as Permanent Secretary in the Justice Department (and the Registrar of Political Parties) to take up the role. Mr Saneem was recommended for the position by a group of consultants working for the Fijian Elections Office after the government ruled that the other candidates did not meet the selection criteria; however, some politicians have questioned whether Mr Saneem himself meets the minimum requirements for the role given his relative lack of experience.
But concerns about his appointment have been partly assuaged by the appointment of two experienced Australian officials in the roles of deputy supervisor of elections and director of operations. In a further demonstration of the gradual normalisation of relations between Fiji and Australia in recent months, the Fijian government has also invited its larger neighbour to act as an official observer of the election.
Five years ago, we had said that for all the rhetoric spoken and written by political and media leaders, there has never been a fair representation of facts, especially since December 5, 2006, when Mr Bainimarama took over the reins of the administration to find a new road to prosperity. The country has been subject to summary dismissal without a just course to defend itself, discard without discussion and adjudication without trial.
It is in our interest that Fiji does well as a democratic country with political, economic and social reforms that would guarantee its future prosperity.
