A SURVEY of young people across four Pacific Island nations has produced telling results. Youth are not that happy with the distribution of development benefits, don’t really trust those with their hands on the reins, and harbor serious concerns about human rights protections. There is reason for optimism though; they still are up for engaging in the political process.
The survey, conducted between March and April of 2026, gathered data via an online questionnaire from citizens across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Samoa. The overwhelming majority of respondents at the younger end of the scale—18 to 25 years—offering a window into the views of the Pacific’s next generation of voters and leaders.
Development benefits concentrated in urban areas
Nearly six in 10 respondents—59 per cent—disagreed that development benefits had been fairly distributed across their countries. Only 15 per cent agreed.
“The benefits of development have not been fairly distributed,” one respondent from the Solomon Islands wrote.
A respondent from Fiji stated: “Rural and remote island communities are left behind. Development is mostly done in urban areas.”
The perception of inequality was strongest in the Solomon Islands, where 71 per cent of respondents disagreed that development benefits are shared fairly. In Fiji, 57 per cent disagreed; in Tuvalu, 55 per cent; and in Samoa, 46 per cent.
Asked whether their governments have taken adequate measures to combat poverty, 62 per cent of all respondents said no.
“The government only favours the top,” a Fijian respondent wrote. “Poor people are left behind.”
Human rights protections weak, culture seen as barrier
Only 32 per cent of respondents believe human rights are protected in their country. 43 per cent said they are not protected, while 25 per cent were unsure or didn’t know.
Despite 86 per cent of respondents defining human rights as “rights and protections for all human beings,” the gap between definition and reality was stark. The single biggest challenge to human rights, cited by 32 per cent of respondents, was culture and tradition.
“Elders and matai take advantage of their titles to silence the rights of the young,” a Samoan respondent wrote.
Another from the Solomon Islands added: “Human rights and cultural beliefs aren’t the same thing. People should be made aware.”
Lack of education was the second most cited barrier at 24 per cent, followed by lack of political will at 15 per cent, and gender discrimination at 11 per cent
Women’s participation in civic and political affairs was rated as fair, poor, or very poor by 69 per cent of all respondents. Only seven per cent rated it as “very good.”
Political leaders seen as self-serving
More than half of respondents — 56 per cent — said political leadership in their country makes them feel that leaders are only looking after themselves or the rich.
This sentiment was highest in the Solomon Islands at 67 per cent, followed by Fiji at 56 per cent, Samoa at 55 per cent, and lowest in Tuvalu at 39 per cent.
When asked who has a say in what happens in their country, 56 per cent said only a few people — identifying politicians, wealthy business owners, chiefs, and members of parliament as the decision-makers.
“Politicians and members of parliament,” a Fijian respondent wrote.
“People with deep pockets who know the right people,” said another. In Samoa, respondents named “matai (chiefly title holders) and the wealthy” as the gatekeepers of political power.
Only 44 per cent felt that everyone in their country is encouraged to participate in political processes.
Mixed ratings for Prime Ministers
Ratings for current Prime Ministers varied significantly by country.
In Tuvalu, 48 per cent rated their Prime Minister as good or very good — by far the highest of the four nations. Respondents praised the leadership for its transparency in particular.
In contrast, 53 per cent of Solomon Islanders rated their prime minister (Jeremiah Manele) as bad or very bad. “Same old situation,” one wrote. “Nothing has changed.”
In Samoa, 45 per cent rated their leader as bad or very bad, with one respondent calling the Prime Minister “a hypocrite who talks about the law but breaks it.”
In Fiji, 34 per cent rated Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as bad or very bad, while 25 per cent rated him as good or very good. “He has re-established traditional pathways,” one supporter wrote. A critic countered: “He doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Public funds: widespread dissatisfaction
A majority of respondents — 54 per cent — said they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the management of public funds in their country. Only 15 per cent expressed satisfaction.
56 per cent disagreed that public funds are managed efficiently.
When asked where governments should spend more public funds — a multiple-selection question — the top three priorities were clear:
- Healthcare and hospitals – selected by 74 per cent of respondents
- Education – selected by 69 per cent
- Infrastructure and roads – selected by 52 per cent
Rural and outer island development was also a priority, cited by 46 per cent.
In what areas should governments spend less? An overwhelming 73 per cent named politician salaries, travel, and allowances. Overseas trips and unnecessary meetings were cited by 56 per cent, while 43 per cent pointed to festivals, pageants, and other non-essential events.
“Instead of focusing money on building embassies in countries committing genocide, spend it on health and education,” a respondent wrote.
Judiciary and media: low trust
Trust in the judicial system remains low. Forty per cent of respondents rated trust in their judiciary as low or very low, while only 21 per cent rated it as high or very high.
More than half of the respondents (53 per cent) said political influence affected judicial decisions in their country. Only 17 per cent said judges were often free from pressure.
The media fared no better. Only 18 per cent rated their media as independent, while 24 per cent said it is not independent. The remaining 58 per cent were neutral or didn’t know.
Despite discontent, most plan to vote
Despite widespread dissatisfaction with development, human rights protections, political leadership, and public funds management, 71 per cent of respondents said they plan to vote in their country’s next election.
“It is my right as a citizen,” a Fijian woman wrote.
“My vote counts and adds to a better future,” said another.
“Every vote carries immense weight,” a Tuvaluan respondent added.
However, 16 per cent said they will not vote, and 13 per cent were unsure. Reasons included corruption, lack of worthy candidates, and a belief that the system is rigged.
“Elections are just changing clowns in the same circus,” one respondent wrote. “The whole system is rigged anyway.”
An aware generation
With 67 per cent of respondents under 26 years old, the survey captures a generation that is educated, connected, and increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo.
They see development being unequal. They see self-serving leaders. They see human rights undermined by culture, ignorance, and political will. And yet, they still intend to participate.
“Education is key,” a Fijian respondent wrote. “Awareness down to the grassroots level,” said another from the Solomon Islands.
“It is my right,” a young Tuvaluan wrote. “It is my responsibility.”
Whether their governments will listen remains to be seen.
