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Fiji Fiji

Pakistan as an example. Beyond the political implications, it’s clear that one year
“But it was also obvious that SODELPA’s supporters would into a new government, there are questions being asked
never have forgiven it if it had coalesced with FijiFirst.” about the 2013 Constitution—imposed by the-then unelected
government of Voreqe Bainimarama.
More problems There is also a vital need to improve communication, both
Two other recent appointments remain in place for now between the coalition partners, and in conveying government
—both which, according to the Fiji Law Society, also breach decisions to Fiji’s citizens.
the section of the Constitution that says anyone found guilty But Professor Ratuva believes Fiji does not want to see a
by the ILSC on professional misconduct charges is disqualified vote of no-confidence against the PM so soon.
from being a judge, or from holding senior judicial posts. “It will give out a negative signal to the rest of the country,
In April, Alipate Qetaki, a former Attorney-General in both, Pacific region and the world,” says Ratuva.
Rabuka’s 1987 government and Laisenia Qarase’s caretaker The Christchurch-based academic says a better option is for
administration of 2000, was appointed a judge in the Fiji Rabuka and his coalition partners to come together and agree
Court of Appeal by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). on clear rules of engagement that should include steps to take
However, the Fiji Law Society says it has been writing to when someone breaks those rules.
the JSC Chair since June, expressing concern over Qetaki’s Such a document, he insists, must include a conflict
appointment, citing his guilty plea before the ILSC in April resolution strategy.
2017 for opening a Trust account with a commercial bank “The honeymoon period didn’t last long, and the impression
without the consent of the then Attorney-General, Aiyaz the public is getting at the moment is that there is a certain
Saiyed-Khaiyum. He was fined $1500 for the breach. degree of disorderliness.”
John Rabuku’s appointment as Acting Director of Public Or, as University of the South Pacific academic Professor
Prosecutions is also contestable on similar grounds, says Vijay Naidu puts it: “If the coalition partners are serious about
the FLS. Rabuku was found guilty by the ILSC in 2013 for finishing their four-year term in government, then [SODELPA
dereliction of duty against a client. He was suspended from leader Bill] Gavoka and [NFP leader Biman] Prasad need to be
practice for three months and fined $500. more assertive, if not in public, then at least in private.”
Rabuka has since said the two appointments were being Beyond the usual workings of politics and questions over
reviewed. leadership in a democracy lies the fact that the Fijian
The results of disagreement in the governing coalition military will not hesitate to make their views known to the
have now come under international scrutiny following Fiji’s government when the time comes, through its role as set out
decision to vote against a United Nations resolution for a in the 2013 Constitution.
ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid and medical help to get to the As Tikoduadua put it while commenting on the military
people in the war zone. commander’s letter to Rabuka: “We are here for the rule of
Fiji was one of just 14 countries to do so; the others law. We will follow the process of the law.”
included Tonga, Marshall Islands, Federated States of In January, less than a month after the Coalition came into
Micronesia and Papua New Guinea. power, Army Commander Kalouniwai warned the government
The National Federation Party (NFP) said it was not was taking “shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes
consulted on Fiji’s vote against the resolution. and procedures” which could lead to “long-term national
Fiji’s representative to the UN, Filipo Tarakinikini, who security consequences”.
cast the ‘No’ vote for Fiji, told Islands Business the only After meeting with Kalouniwai, Tikoduadua said in a
people that knew about it in advance were him, the Prime statement that he had assured the commander that all the
Minister, and the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Lesi government’s actions had been guided by the law.
Korovalavala. Fraenkel, who is co-editor of The 2006 Military Takeover
NFP leader, Biman Prasad told the media: “Fiji should have in Fiji; A coup to end all coups? and is the author of The
stood in solidarity with the resolution.” Manipulation of Custom; from uprising to intervention in the
Army Commander Kalouniwai also weighed into the Solomon Islands, expresses the same concern that sociologists
fracas, saying the military was deeply concerned with the such as Ratuva and Naidu have raised consistently about the
government’s non-consultative approach on the vote. military’s involvement in civilian affairs.
He said in a statement, it was disheartening to see a Says Fraenkel: “What is more worrying is when ministers
decision taken without due consideration for the potential welcome the intervention of the RFMF Commander, even
impact on the safety and well-being of Fiji’s peacekeepers in though it is through the line minister. Fiji has only just
the Middle East. resurfaced from 16 years of authoritarian and then, from
2014, semi-authoritarian government. So, it would be unwise
Questions over the future to regard RFMF intervention in the political process as
Coalition governments can be unwieldy, as Fiji’s neighbours legitimate and reasonable.”
in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have seen. Islands Business has made several attempts to reach
So, what does this series of misfires mean for the health of Kalouniwai for his thoughts.
the coalition and Rabuka’s leadership?

Islands Business, November 2023 25