Press Release
Statement by Nilesh Lal, Executive Director, Dialogue Fiji
Dialogue Fiji welcomes yesterday’s statement by the Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Hon. Siromi Turaga, reaffirming the Coalition Government’s commitment to the constitutional timetable for Fiji’s next General Election and confirming that electoral preparations continue in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
The statement provides welcome reassurance to the Fijian people that the Government remains committed to constitutional processes and that the next General Election will be conducted within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.
This commitment is critically important.
There should be absolutely no ambiguity on this issue.
The next General Election must be held within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. Delaying, deferring, suspending or otherwise avoiding elections is not an option under any circumstances.
This principle applies regardless of the mechanism used. A government cannot avoid elections through legislation. It cannot avoid elections through constitutional amendments. It cannot avoid elections through a newly adopted constitution. Nor can it avoid elections by inserting transitional provisions designed to extend its tenure beyond its democratic mandate.
The Coalition Government was elected for a fixed constitutional term. When that term expires, the only democratic source of authority is a fresh mandate from the people. Any attempt to extend that mandate through constitutional amendments, transitional provisions, legislative manoeuvres or any other mechanism would amount to an autogolpe, a self-coup executed through legal manipulation rather than military force.
Dialogue Fiji warns that the consequences of a self-coup will be immediate, devastating, and entirely against the national interest:
- Total Diplomatic Isolation: Foreign governments, regional neighbours, and key development partners will withdraw recognition of an illegitimate administration that rules past its constitutional mandate.
- Economic Ruin: Fiji is already navigating global uncertainties, domestic economic challenges and a rising cost of living. A constitutional crisis will trigger severe economic sanctions, a freeze on international aid, and suspension of concessional bilateral loans.
- Tourism and Investment: The political instability resulting from a paper coup will paralyse investor confidence and decimate our tourism sector, causing massive job losses and financial hardship for ordinary Fijian families.
Most importantly, delaying elections would trample upon the democratic rights of every Fijian citizen. Governments do not own their mandates. They borrow them from the people for a limited period of time. When that period expires, they must return to the people and seek a fresh mandate.
Dialogue Fiji therefore welcomes the Acting Attorney-General’s clear commitment to the constitutional election timetable and trusts that all political actors will remain equally committed to this fundamental democratic principle.
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