Dialogue Fiji has welcomed the Government’s commitment to holding the next General Election within the constitutional timeframe, while warning that any attempt to delay or avoid elections would amount to a “self-coup”.
In a statement issued today, Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal welcomed comments by Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga reaffirming that electoral preparations remain on track.
“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,” Mr Lal said.
He said there should be “absolutely no ambiguity” regarding the timing of the election.
“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,” he said.
Mr Lal argued that elections could not be postponed through legislation, constitutional amendments or the adoption of a new constitution.
“A government cannot avoid elections through legislation. It cannot avoid elections through constitutional amendments. It cannot avoid elections through a newly adopted constitution,” he said.
He warned that extending a government’s mandate beyond its constitutional term would amount to “an autogolpe, a self-coup executed through legal manipulation rather than military force.”
Dialogue Fiji said any such move would have serious consequences for the country.
“Foreign governments, regional neighbors, and key development partners will withdraw recognition of an illegitimate administration that rules past its constitutional mandate,” Mr Lal said.
He also warned of economic fallout, including sanctions, reduced aid and damage to tourism and investor confidence.
“The political instability resulting from a paper coup will paralyze investor confidence and decimate our tourism sector, causing massive job losses and financial hardship for ordinary Fijian families,” he said.
Mr Lal stressed that governments do not own their mandates indefinitely.
“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,” he said.
Dialogue Fiji said it welcomed the Acting Attorney-General’s commitment to the constitutional election timetable and expressed hope that all political actors would remain committed to democratic principles.
