Fijian general election, 2014

Fijian general election, 2014

17 September 2014

All 50 seats to the Parliament of Fiji Registered 591,101 Turnout 84.0%   First party Second party Third party   Leader Frank Bainimarama Teimumu Kepa Biman Prasad Party FijiFirst SODELPA NFP Leader since 2014 2013 2014 Last election 0 36 0 Seats won 32 15 3 Seat change 32 21 3 Popular vote 293,714 139,857 27,066 Percentage 59.20% 28.20% 5.50%   Fourth party Fifth party Sixth party   Leader Felix Anthony Mahendra Chaudhry Sitiveni Suvaki Party PDP Labour OFP Leader since 2014 1991 2014 Last election 0 31 0 Seats won 0 0 0 Seat change 31 Popular vote 15,864 11,670 5,839 Percentage 3.20% 2.60% 1.20%   Seventh party   Leader Jagath Karunaratne Party FUPP Leader since 2014 Last election 0 Seats won 0 Seat change 0 Popular vote 1,072 Percentage 0.20%

Prime Minister before election Frank Bainimarama Independent Subsequent Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama FijiFirst

General elections were held in Fiji on 17 September 2014,^[1][2] to select the 50 members of the Fijian parliament.^[3]

The incumbent Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, was re-elected. Prior to the election Bainimarama was an Independent but stood for the FijiFirst Party in 2014. The Social Democratic Liberal Party and the National Federation Party both got over 5%, the threshold for a party or independent to have seats in the parliament.^[4]

The elections were originally scheduled for March 2009, but were not held then because politicians did not agree to the People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress. Between 2009 and 2014 many public announcements and requests were made and on 23 March 2014 the interim government announced the election would be held on 17 September 2014.

The elections were to be held under the new constitution which lowered the voting age to 18 and gave the right of multiple citizenship to Fijians for the first time.

Background

After the Fijian military coup of 5 December 2006, the new interim prime minister Jona Senilagakali announced that elections would take place held "hopefully in 12 months, two years".^[5] Later it was made clear that none of the ministers in the interim government would be allowed to contest the elections.^[6]

On 6 January 2007 Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the leader of the coup, succeeded Senilagakali as interim Prime Minister. On 29 January 2007, Bainimarama announced that the next election would be around five years away.^[7] He informed a visiting regional delegation on 30–31 January that elections would have to wait until a census had been completed, a new voters' roll compiled, and boundaries of electoral districts defined.^[8] Meanwhile, interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum suggested using electronic voting to shorten the period of time for counting votes (previously over ten days), and thereby reduce the potential for election rigging.^[9]

Later, Bainimarama announced changes to the electoral system that would abolish the race-based constituencies and that elections would take place in 2010.^[10] It was later clarified that the interim administration has no mandate for electoral and constitutional reform, as such changes have to go through the parliamentary process; as such, the proposed 2010 election would take place under the current race-based system, but Bainimarama stated he wished the next government to change the electoral system.^[11] In mid-June 2007, Bainimarama gave in to demands from the European Union, Australia and New Zealand to hold polls by 28 February 2009;^[12][13] he also requested assistance with election preparations.^[14]

The deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, stated he would contest the elections.^[15] By contrast, Bainimarama said that he had no intention of taking part in the election.^[16]

In March 2008, responding to regional pressure for concrete evidence of his commitment to hold elections in 2009, Bainimarama argued:

"Elections are central to democracy but they are not always, on their own, a magic or quick-fix solution. How can an election, on its own, make a difference when it is based on divisive and race based communal electoral arrangements? How can an election, on its own, solve the deep differences that our constitution has perpetuated between the different races in our country? Unless there are fundamental reforms, how can an election succeed where it will take us straight back to the grimy old politics of self interest, cronyism and scam mongering?"^[17]

In April 2008, Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry stated that it was necessary to complete and implement the People's Charter for Change and Progress before holding any elections.^[18] In May, Commodore Bainimarama said that elections would not take place in March 2009 unless politicians agreed to the Charter.^[19]

Ousted Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi remarked that the next election would likely be won by "a Fijian-dominated political party" (meaning indigenous-dominated), and asked what the military would do in such a case.^[20]

Bainimarama stated that Qarase's Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua party would be authorised to take part in the election, but that, if elected, Qarase would have to abide by the People's Charter. He would not be authorised to introduce or re-introduce policies – such as the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill- which Bainimarama perceived to be racist. Bainimarama warned Qarase publicly that doing so would result in a new coup: "If you do it, I'll remove you."^[21] In March 2010, however, Bainimarama stated that "any politician who has played a role in the country's politics, since 1987" would be prevented from standing for election. The rationale was that "Fiji needs new politicians".^[22]

The Charter would serve as a guideline in this respect. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated that "the People's Charter sets a trend or course for which the people of Fiji should actually assess political parties on and political parties that are essentially try [sic] to contest elections purely based on ethnic politics would not be entertained by the people of Fiji".^[23]

Despite his earlier commitment not to run, Bainimarama founded and led the Fiji First party into the election. Mahendra Chaudhry was ruled to be ineligible to stand for election.^[24]

A media blackout on campaign activities ran from Monday to Wednesday, the election day. The ban included newspapers, radio, television, campaign poster and social media posts by any Fijian.^[25]

Date

In April 2009 the Fijian government announced that elections would take place "by September 2014". Bainimarama reiterated this in July, specifying that the elections would be held under the provisions of a new Constitution, which would eliminate institutionalised ethnic-based voting. The new Constitution might also amend the number of seats in Parliament, and possibly abolish the Senate.^[1]

In February 2010 a petition, reportedly supported by 600,000 signatories, requested elections by the end of the year. Commodore Bainimarama responded that an early election would not be "practical and realistic": "The implementation of the fundamental changes and reforms captured in the People's Charter and which are now being implemented under the framework of the Roadmap – this is the only plan – or priority for Fiji. It is a plan that is objective of a better Fiji – where all benefit and not just the elite few – as has been the case previously." He dismissed what he called "irresponsible demands and proposals of selfish individuals and groups that run counter to the Charter and the road-map".^[26]

In March 2011 the New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced that New Zealand would lift its travel ban on members of the Fiji administration if the government committed to holding elections in 2014, and allowing "all stakeholders [...] to participate and not only those favoured by the regime". (Until then, New Zealand had insisted on earlier elections.^[27][28]) Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola replied that the Fiji government was "committed to ensuring that a good and fair election is conducted" in 2014.^[29]

On 30 June 2012 voter registration for the 2014 elections began in Suva.^[30] A few days later a Western diplomat confirmed that Fiji was on-schedule for elections in 2014: "It seems fairly clear now that there will be elections of some description in Fiji in 2014. The real question is the extent to which those elections meet minimal international standards for being free and fair. Crucial to answering that question is seeing whether everyone is allowed to compete, and the media and civil society are able to operate in a minimally unimpeded manner."^[31]

Finally, on 23 March 2014, the Fiji government announced that the elections would take place on 17 September of that year, a day to be declared a national holiday.

Electoral system

The elections were held using the open list form of party-list proportional representation using the D'Hondt method in one nationwide constituency consisting of 50 seats.^[32] There is a threshold of 5% of the vote for a list to gain representation.

Pre-polling for the elections began two weeks prior to the main election date to cater for those unable to travel long distances to cast their vote. It ended on 15 September. A 48-hour blackout period began soon after, during which no media, including print or social, is allowed to print or post any election material which insinuates campaigning.^[33]

Almost 590,000 citizens registered to vote in the elections.^[34] 57,084 voters were registered to vote in Lautoka at 141 polling stations.^[35]

Campaign

Seven parties registered to contest the elections, with a total of 248 candidates nominated, of which two were independents.^[36]

Results

Party		Votes	%	Seats
	FijiFirst	293,714	59.20	32
	Social Democratic Liberal Party	139,857	28.20	15
	National Federation Party	27,066	5.50	3
	People's Democratic Party	15,864	3.20	0
	Fiji Labour Party	11,670	2.40	0
	One Fiji Party	5,839	1.20	0
	Fiji United Freedom Party	1,072	0.20	0
	Independents	1,282	0.30	0
Invalid/blank votes		3,714	–	–
Total		496,364	100	50
Registered voters/turnout		591,101	83.97	–
Source: Elections Fiji, FBC

Elected MPs

FijiFirst	SODELPA	NFP
Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum Parveen Kumar Bala Inoke Kubuabola Mahendra Reddy Ruveni Nadabe Nadalo Pio Tikoduadua Joeli Ratulevu Cawaki Osea Naiqamu Sanjit Patel Brij Lal Timoci Lesi Natuva Viam Pillay Jiko Luveni Inia Batikoto Seruiratu Lorna Eden Balmindar Singh Vijay Nath Semi Tuleca Koroilavesau Jioje Konrote Samuela Vunivalu Neil Sharma Netani Rika Alivereti Nabulivou Mereseini Vuniwaqa Alvik Maharaj Rosy Akbar Jone Usamate Iliesa Delana Ashneel Sudhakar Faiyaz Siddiq Koya Veena Kumar Bhatnagar Laisenia Bale Tuitubou^[a]	Teimumu Kepa Niko Nawaikula Naiqama Lalabalavu Mosese Bulitavu Viliame Tagivetaua Anare Vadei Viliame Gavoka Semesa Karavaki Suliano Matanitobua Sela Vuinakasa Nonovo Kiniviliame Kiliraki Isoa Tikoca Salote Radrodro Aseri Radrodro Jiosefa Dulakiverata	Biman Prasad Tupou Draunidalo Prem Singh

^a Laisenia Bale Tuitubou replaced Jiko Luveni after she became Speaker of Parliament.

Aftermath

The election was endorsed as "credible" by international observers. Some shortcomings were however noted, such as a restrictive media framework which limited Fijan journalists' ability to "examine rigorously the claims of candidates and parties", a short timeframe for the election and a complex voting system.^[37] Leaders of several of the opposition parties protested the result, claiming ballot tampering.^[38]

References

1. "PM Bainimarama – A Strategic Framework for Change", Fiji government website, 1 July 2009
2. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26781618
3. [email protected] (9 April 2008). "Fiji to hold elections next March – People's Daily Online". English.people.com.cn. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
4. "Voter guide" (PDF). Retrieved 20 September 2014.
5. "Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com". Today.reuters.com. 9 February 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
6. http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200612281856/coup_leader_sets_date_for_fiji_interim_government. Retrieved 28 December 2006. Missing or empty |title= (help)
7. "Gateway to Fiji, Fiji News, Fiji eDirectory, Fiji Magic, Fiji Real Estate, Fiji Classifieds, Fiji Dating, Fiji Rugby, Fiji Football, Fiji Jobs, Fijian News, Fijian Music, Fiji Houses for Sale, Fiji Holidays, Fiji Sports, Fiji Picture Gallery, Fiji Business, etc". Fijilive. 29 January 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
8. http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_35522.shtml. Retrieved 31 January 2007. Missing or empty |title= (help)
9. "Gateway to Fiji, Fiji News, Fiji eDirectory, Fiji Magic, Fiji Real Estate, Fiji Classifieds, Fiji Dating, Fiji Rugby, Fiji Football, Fiji Jobs, Fijian News, Fijian Music, Fiji Houses for Sale, Fiji Holidays, Fiji Sports, Fiji Picture Gallery, Fiji Business, etc". Fijilive. 31 January 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
10. "Fiji's ruler says elections will be held in 2010". Thestar.com.my. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
11. https://web.archive.org/web/20070225090614/http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_36157.shtml. Archived from the original on 25 February 2007. Retrieved 19 February 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
12. "Asia-Pacific | Emergency rule declared in Fiji". BBC News. 7 September 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
13. [email protected]. "EU concerned with slow political progress in Fiji – People's Daily Online". English.people.com.cn. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
14. Johnson, Ed (19 June 2007). "Fiji Cabinet Says It Agrees in Principle to 2009 Poll (Update2)". Bloomberg. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
16. "Fiji’s PM opts out of Politics", Radio Fiji, 23 October 2007
17. Field, Michael (27 March 2008). "Elections no magic solution – Bainimarama". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
18. "Stop pressuring Fiji for early elections-Chaudhry", FijiVillage, 7 April 2008
19. "Agree With Charter Or No Elections", FijiVillage, 22 May 2008
20. "Fiji's ousted vice president says interim regime has limited support among Fijians". Radio New Zealand International. 10 June 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
21. "On my terms: Bainimarama points way ahead", Fiji Times, 1 June 2008
22. "Fiji regime to ban established politicians from 2014 election", Australian Broadcasting Corporation
23. "Confusion over eligibility of 2009 Fiji election", Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, 23 October 2007
24. Fiji labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry ruled out of elections, abc.net.au, 19 Aug 2014
25. Fiji election: Media blackout comes into effect as polling day nears, Liam Fox, abc.net.au, 15 September 2014
26. "Elections in Fiji not possible before 2014", Radio Fiji, 26 February 2010
27. Trevett, Claire (29 March 2011). "Travel bans go if Fiji commits to 2014 election, says McCully". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
28. "Free 2014 Fiji elections needed to end NZ travel sanctions". Radio New Zealand International. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
29. "Fiji's Elections is set for 2014", Fiji government, 29 March 2011
30. "Voter registration process begins in Fiji". New Zealand Herald. 4 July 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
31. "Western Diplomat on Diplomatic Normalization (Fiji)". 9 July 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
32. Fijan elections office. "Electoral decree 2014" (PDF). Retrieved 3 July 2014.
33. Chand, Shalveen. "Pre-poll deadline". Fiji Times. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
34. Firth, Stewart. "Countdown begins to Fiji voting". Faitfax Media. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
35. NASIKO, REPEKA. "57,084 expected to vote at 141 polling centres in Lautoka". Fiji Times. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
36. Observors describe elections as free, fair and transparent Fiji One, 18 September 2014
37. Perry, Nick; Pita, Ligaiula (18 September 2014). "Int'l monitors endorse Fiji election as credible". AP. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
38. Perry, Nick; Pita, Ligaiula (22 September 2014). "Fiji's military ruler sworn in as elected leader". AP. Retrieved 7 October 2014.