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Fiji's Democracy at a Juncture: Polarization Deepens

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 21:28 GMT by rnz
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Suva, Fiji - January 28, 2026 - Fiji's nascent democracy is facing a critical juncture, marked by increasing polarization and a growing disconnect between political rhetoric and lived reality. According to Dr. Shailendra Singh, a political scientist at the University of Southern Queensland, the nation is more divided now than at any point in recent history, a situation fueled by unrealistic campaign promises and a systemic lack of meaningful political dialogue.

Dr. Singh's assessment follows the tumultuous 2022 general election, which ended the 16-year rule of Frank Bainimarama and ushered in a coalition government. While the change in leadership represented a potential turning point, it has not yet translated into the unity and progress many Fijians hoped for. Instead, the election cycle itself appears to have exacerbated existing fractures within society.

"The electoral campaign witnessed parties engaging in a competition of promises, many of which were, frankly, utopian in their scope," Dr. Singh explains. "This created a climate of unrealistic expectations, and when those promises inevitably went unfulfilled, it bred widespread disappointment, anger, and a deep sense of disillusionment among the electorate."

This isn't simply a matter of broken pledges, Dr. Singh argues. It's symptomatic of a broader, deeply ingrained culture within Fijian politics. A lack of accountability, a tendency to deflect blame, and the consistent failure to address fundamental socioeconomic issues are all contributing factors. The political class, he suggests, is too preoccupied with maintaining its power and privilege to genuinely grapple with the challenges facing the nation.

Beyond the campaign trail, the structure of Fiji's electoral system itself is coming under scrutiny. While improvements have been made to overcome previous shortcomings, critics argue it fails to address underlying societal inequalities and, in some instances, even amplifies existing divisions. Dr. Singh emphasizes the need for continuous review and refinement of the system, stressing that its primary purpose should be to foster national unity and inclusivity. The question remains: can a system designed for representation truly bridge the gaps created by historical and contemporary social divisions?

The media landscape is also contributing to the problem. Government control over public broadcasting remains a significant concern, limiting diverse perspectives and potentially skewing public discourse. Simultaneously, the proliferation of social media platforms, while offering a space for open communication, is also proving to be a breeding ground for misinformation and the amplification of divisive narratives. Dr. Singh believes the media has a crucial role to play in promoting constructive dialogue, holding politicians accountable, and providing citizens with accurate and impartial information.

"The media needs to move beyond simply reporting events and become an active agent in fostering understanding and facilitating meaningful conversations," he states. However, achieving this requires a level of independence and integrity that is currently lacking in many sectors of the Fijian media.

The root of Fiji's divisions, Dr. Singh contends, lies in deeply entrenched social and economic problems. These include disparities in wealth distribution, access to education and healthcare, and ongoing ethnic tensions. Without addressing these fundamental issues, any attempt to build a truly unified and democratic Fiji will ultimately fall short.

The current situation presents a complex challenge for Fiji. While the transition to a coalition government was a positive step, the nation now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust, fostering dialogue, and addressing the underlying grievances that fuel division. Without a concerted effort to promote accountability, inclusivity, and a realistic approach to policymaking, Fiji's democratic experiment risks unraveling, leaving the nation even more fractured and vulnerable than before.