Fiji’s election and Australia: the terms of re-engagement
In a new Lowy Institute Policy Brief, Melanesia Program Director Jenny Hayward-Jones examines the significance of Fiji’s elections on 17th September for Australian policy towards Fiji.
‘Fiji and Australian policy towards Fiji are at a crossroads. The election is a sign that the country is back on the road to democracy, but more will need to be done and Australia should play a role’, said author Jenny Hayward-Jones.
Following a period of diplomatic isolation after the 2006 coup by Fiji’s military commander, Voreqe “Frank” Bainimarama, Australia has begun to re-engage with the Fiji government. Hayward-Jones argues that Australia must continue this re-engagement but also support Fiji’s transition to democracy beyond the elections.
This should be done through an Australian assistance package to Fiji that would help strengthen parliament, encourage a free and unfettered media, and promote a vibrant civil society and an independent judiciary. This would need to be offered as part of a broader package aimed at military ties, including military to military cooperation.
‘Fiji will only be able to consolidate the progress established by the election if other democratic institutions and building blocks are supported. If Australia does not take the lead in providing this assistance, then who will?’ concludes Hayward-Jones.