OPPOSITION Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya has warned in Parliament that Fiji’s democratic system remains vulnerable if key institutions are weakened or influenced by political interests.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Koya said the country’s history of constitutional changes demonstrated how fragile democratic systems could become when institutions were undermined.
“The fact that we have had four constitutions tells us something important,” he said.
“It tells us that democracy in Fiji has been tested many times. It reminds us that democratic systems are fragile when institutions are weak, when leaders place politics above principles, and when the rule of law is compromised.”
He stressed that a constitution alone could not guarantee democracy without strong and independent institutions.
“A constitution alone does not guarantee democracy. Strong and independent institutions do.”
He said key bodies such as the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Electoral Commission and the Reserve Bank must remain free from political interference.
“These institutions are not meant to serve governments of the day. They are meant to serve the constitution and the people of Fiji.”
Mr Koya also emphasised the importance of merit-based appointments to leadership positions within these institutions.
“Appointments to these offices must always be based on merit. And what do we mean by merit-based appointments? It means appointments are not based on who you know.
“They are not based on the town, the district, or the village you come from. They are not based on traditional ties. And they are certainly not based on the political party you support.”
He warned that politicised institutions and a lack of transparency could weaken public confidence in democracy.
“When institutions become politicised, when appointments are questioned, when processes lack transparency, and when public confidence begins to erode, democracy itself begins to weaken.”
