After Fiji’s Election: From One Coup Leader to Another
The DiplomatFiji’s December election initially produced an unclear result, with both the FijiFirst Party of Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and the alliance between the People’s Alliance Party and the National Federation Party winning 26 seats each. After several days of negotiations with the Social Democratic Liberal Party – which despite its collapse in support ironically became the Parliament’s kingmaker – a coalition was formed between the PAP, NFP, and SODELPA. The new constitution removed the race-based electoral rolls and ethnic seat quotas that Rabuka had established, while also abolishing the Parliament’s unelected upper house and the powerful Great Council of Chiefs – all of which were designed to privilege iTaukei over Indo-Fijians. As kingmaker following the election, SODELPA took into its coalition negotiations a series of demands that were centered around iTaukei interests, including reinstating the Great Council of Chiefs, the promotion of iTaukei land and economic concerns, control of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and a commitment to establishing a Fijian embassy in Jerusalem – with a previous demand to declare Fiji a Christian state being taken off the table.
History of this topic
Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama jailed for a year
Al Jazeera
Fiji military chief concerned over new PM’s ‘sweeping changes’
Al Jazeera
'Rambo' Rabuka returns as Fiji Prime Minister
The Hindu
Sitiveni ‘Rambo’ Rabuka confirmed as Fiji’s new prime minister
Al JazeeraSitiveni Rabuka installed as Fiji's prime minister after new coalition's vote of support
ABC
PM Modi congratulates Fiji's new premier Sitiveni Rabuka, hopes to further bolster ties between two nations
India TV News
Leave quietly: The Hindu Editorial on a new round of political crisis in Fiji
The Hindu
Fiji’s military called in to maintain order after disputed polls
Al Jazeera
Cheers for Fiji’s ‘new PM’ but parliament swearing-in delayed
Al JazeeraCoalition formed between Fiji's SODELPA, National Federation Party and People's Alliance Party after deadlocked election results
ABC)
Fiji: Voters still wait as negotiations to end deadlocked general elections falter
Firstpost
Vote counting finishes in Fiji election with no clear winner
The Hindu
Fiji: Final results show general election deadlocked with all votes counted
Firstpost
Vote counting finishes in Fiji election with no clear winner
The IndependentFiji's major parties look to kingmaker to form government after deadlocked election results
ABC
Election deadlock in Fiji after all votes counted: Vote monitor
Al Jazeera
Fiji’s opposition lodges complaint over election results
Al Jazeera
Fiji’s Bainimarama vows to respect election result as polls close
Al JazeeraVoters in Fiji election want 'skyrocketing' living costs, unemployment and social welfare to improve
ABC
Fijians set to vote in ‘toughest election yet’ for Bainimarama
Al JazeeraDiscover Related
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