Islands of Turmoil: Elections and Politics in Fiji

Abstract

Fiji is a bit like Churchill's Russia, a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.'Here is an island nation, easily the most developed in the South Pacific, with a talented multiethnic population that would be the envy of many a underdeveloped nation, the hub of regional transportation and communication links, the home of international diplomatic, educational and aid organisations-it has everything going for it.And yet, despite this good fortune, it is strangely prone to debilitating self-inflected wounds that hobble its prospects and dent its future.The two military coups in 1987 and the attempted putsch in 2000 have strained race relations, damaged the economy, infected public institutions with the virus of mismanagement and failing accountability, nurtured religious intolerance and periodic acts of sacrilege against non-Christians, disrupted improvements to essential infrastructure, education and social and medical services, and led to a mass exodus of some of its best and brightest citizens.This indictment may seem harsh, for on the surface things look normal.Despite all the temptations, inducements and provocations, Fiji has not descended into a bloodbath of the type common in other developing regions.There are no unmarked mass graves, no long knives in the night.Certain institutions-the judiciary, for instance-bravely continue to uphold the rule of law despite intimidation and subversion through political interference.The press is free.But the overwhelming sense in Fiji is of the essential fragility of things, the sense that things could go wrong at any time.The almost daily reports of verbal exchanges between the military leadership and the government about who is the ultimate custodian of the national interest underlines the point.As I write this (October 2005), the Fijian Minister for Home Affairs informs the media that the Commander of the Fiji Military Forces and his family need protection because not all the ammunition stolen from the army has been returned and rogue elements continue to roam the land.And the government is contemplating passing legislation to give traditional chiefs immunity from prosecution 'for certain kinds of activities', such as trying to 'resolve disputes in volatile situations' however illegal that activity might be.I suppose it is not so much whether things are not as bad as they ought to be or could have been.It is, rather, whether things could be, could have been, much better.In the Division of Pacific and Asian History of the Australian National University, Oanh Collins helped with the preparation of the manuscript.The Division itself supported my research on contemporary Fijian politics for which I will always remain grateful.I am also grateful to readers and scholars who have over the years provided me with information and insight into Fiji politics.I hope that they will accept my heartfelt gratitude collectively.Padma has been my 'partner in crime' for more than thirty years.Her support and encouragement have been indispensible.Brij V.

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