Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal has raised concerns over the lack of Indo-Fijian representation in the latest police recruitment shortlist, calling for greater transparency in the selection process.
There are no Indo-Fijians listed for interviews in the latest round of 100 individuals to under-go recruitment.
Mr Lal said this raises important questions about diversity within the force.
“The police force of a country needs to reflect the cultural and ethnic makeup of the society that it is serving,” he said.
He noted that the apparent absence of Indo-Fijians, alongside ongoing concerns about gender imbalance, warranted closer examination.
Mr Lal posed several key questions, including whether Indo-Fijians are no longer applying for police roles, whether there may be bias in the selection process, or whether changes in required skills and attributes are influencing outcomes.
“These are not accusations, but questions worth exploring,” he said.
He called for a transparent, data-driven discussion to build public confidence and ensure the police force remains representative of all communities it serves.
