We are starting to see what Fiji politics is likely to look like under the new government elected in December 2022.
One thing is clear: the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is reluctant to disappear from the political scene and does not want to relinquish the advantages it gained under the post-2006 coup military-backed government that was defeated at the polls a month ago.
On Tuesday, Maj Gen Jone Kalouniwai, the RFMF commander, issued a statement critical of the “ambition” and “sweeping changes” initiated by the new government. In particular, Kalouniwai warned against undermining the 2013 constitution, which declares the military to be a “guardian” of Fijian democracy and gives “overall responsibility” to the military “to ensure at all times the security, defence and wellbeing of Fiji and all Fijians”.
Please click here to read the full “Fiji’s government may have changed, but the military is making it clear it will not go quietly” article published in The Guardian, written by Griffith Asia Institute Adjunct Professor Jon Fraenkel.