Fiji: August/September 2001 election results; party platforms; reaction of election observers

The following are the election results for the August/September 2001 general elections: Soqosoqo Dauvata Ni Lewenivenua (SDL) [Fijian Peoples Party], 31 seats; Fiji Labour Party (FLP), 27 seats; Conservative Alliance/Matanitu Vanua (MAV) [MV/CAMV], 6 seats; New Labour Unity Party (NLUP), 2 seats; National Federation Party (NFP), 1 seat; United General Party, 1 seat; 2 independents (Wansolwara Online 9 Sept. 2001; Fijivillage.com n.d.; Elections Office 7 Sept. 2001). According to official results from the Fijian Elections Office, the SDL won 19 communal and 12 open seats, the FLP won 19 communal and 8 open seats, the MAV won 5 communal seats and 1 open seat, the NLUP won 1 communal and 1 open seat, the UGP won 1 communal seat, the NFP won 1 open seat, and the 2 independent candidates each won a communal seat (ibid.). Voting in one of the 71 constituencies "was postponed because a candidate died during campaigning" (AP 10 Sept. 2001).

Those elected included the May 2000 coup leader George Speight (AP 10 Sept. 2001; BBC News 5 Sept. 2001) although it is uncertain whether he will be able to take his seat as he remains in prison facing treason charges (ibid.). BBC News reported that Speight was allowed to run for parliament since, although he has been charged with treason, he had not been convicted and therefore could not be prohibited from running as he had no criminal record (ibid.). "However, if he remains in prison and is unable to attend parliament on two consecutive sittings, he would be disqualified from the seat" (ibid.).

On 10 September 2001 Laisenia Qarase, leader of the SDP, was sworn in as the new prime minister (AP 10 Sept. 2001; BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a; Reuters 10 Sept. 2001a), although Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the FLP, alleged "ballot-rigging" and said that his party would challenge in court the election results (ibid.; BBC News 6 Sept. 2001). While noting there had been some voting irregularities, international observers declared that the vote reflected the "will of the people" (BBC News 8 Sept. 2001; The Times of India 10 Sept. 2001). The international observers included representatives from the United Nations (ibid.) and the Commonwealth (BBC News 8 Sept. 2001). A Commonwealth spokesperson stated that Fiji's suspension from the organization would be lifted and that Fiji would likely be able to attend the October 2001 heads of government meeting (Reuters 10 Sept. 2001b). The UN's observer mission planned to stay in Fiji for an additional 10 days "to gauge the acceptance of the ... election results" (The Fiji Times 10 Sept. 2001).

In accordance with constitutional requirements that parties winning more than 7 seats are represented in cabinet, Qarase invited the FLP to participate in his governing cabinet, although Qarase stated that he hoped that Chaudhry's party would refuse the invitation (BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a; Reuters 10 Sept. 2001a). Other sources reported that Chaudhry had "insisted ... on a role in the new government" through cabinet representation (AP 10 Sept. 2001; BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a). Sources described these events as a potential "new crisis" that would threaten stability (ibid.; Radio Australia 10 Sept. 2001), with Qarase commenting that although he had extended the invitation he preferred that the FLP decline it since the arrangement would lead to an "unworkable government" (ibid.; AP 10 Sept. 2001; BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a). Based on the seats that the FLP won, it is entitled to 8 of the 20 cabinet positions (BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a; Asia Pacific 10 Sept. 2001; ABC News 11 Sept. 2001). Chaudhry said that only a "fool" would choose to remain in opposition if faced with the opportunity to be part of the government (AP 10 Sept. 2001; Reuters 10 Sept. 2001; BBC News 10 Sept. 2001a) and said that his party "would work as an opposition within government" (ibid.).

The Las Vegas Sun reported on 7 September 2001 that Qarase had offered two cabinet posts to the Conservative Alliance although the party had not immediately responded to the offer. However, on 10 September 2001 AP reported that "Qarase shunned the support of the Conservative Alliance because in return for their backing, they were demanding amnesty and pardon for one of their elected legislators, coup leader George Speight, and his fellow conspirators." In contrast, Reuters reported on 10 September 2001 that "in an apparently last-ditch bid to retain power, Chaudhry Sunday said he had forgiven Speight and had opened negotiations with Speight's conservative alliance." The Fiji Sun reported that Chaudhry was negotiating with the MAV (10 Sept. 2001a). This newspaper also reported on this day that the MAV had dropped its immunity demand and that Qarase was negotiating with it (ibid. 10 Sept. 2001b). It added that the detainees had written to the MAV party leader asking him to do so and to "seek a merger" with the SDL (ibid. 10 Sept. 2001c).

On 12 September 2001 twenty ministers were sworn in, none of whom were Indians (Pacific Islands Report). Those named included two representatives of the MAV, two independents, and one representative of the NLUP (ibid.). Qarase stated that although Chaudhry had accepted his offer to join his cabinet, his conditions were unacceptable to the SDL (ibid.). Qarase accepted that Chaudhry could choose to launch a legal challenge to the FLP's exclusion from cabinet (ibid.).

With regard to the policies of the different parties, Qarase has been described as "a hardline nationalist ... [who] wants to enhance the economic and political rights of indigenous people at the expense of the Indo-Fijian community" (BBC News 9 Sept. 2001). According to the BBC News "there are times when the former banker sounds just like George Speight. The thinly veiled racist rhetoric is similar, so is the desire to dismantle the rights of ethnic Indians" (ibid.). In a profile of Qarase, BBC News reported that "his campaign focused on indigenous Fijians' fears of political domination" by Indo-Fijians and that the "blueprint" he announced in July 2000 promised "political priority for native Fijians and affirmative action to advance and accelerate their development" (10 Sept. 2001b). However, he was reported to have promised that Indo-Fijians would not be excluded and that they "would not be left out in the cold when the new constitution was drawn up." BBC News added that he "was a constant critic" of Chaudhry's government prior to the May 2000 coup (ibid.).

On 17 August 2001 Wansolwara provided the following summary of the major objectives of the parties "likely to form the next government":

1. Fiji Labour Party (FLP)

"Rebuilding Fiji Together"

Ensure that the nation will go through the proper reconciliation process and well implement social and economic reforms. Leader: Mahendra Chaudhry (elected prime minister 1999, trade unionist)

2. New Labour Unity Party (NLUP)

Implement and ensure good governance principles and practice to create a fair, just and democratic society for all Fiji Islanders. Leader: Dr Tupeni Baba (elected deputy prime minister, academic)

3. Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT)

"Together for a Peaceful and Progressive Fiji

"To help build a united, just and progressive society committed to a collective future where all can live in peace and security, with opportunities for a better life for every citizen and every community. Leader: Filipe Bole (appointed senator in 1999 Parliament)

4. Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL)

"Good Leadership for a Secure and Stable Fiji"

A Fiji of peace, multiracial harmony and prosperity. Leader: Laisenia Qarase (unelected caretaker prime minister, banker)

5. National Federation Party (NFP)

"Working for you and your family's future"

Give back what was lost in a short time such as to rebuild a sense of human dignity, respect, freedom and above all, a stable political environment in which peace, harmony and economic prosperity will prevail.

6. United General Party (UGP)

"Strength in Unity"

To achieve their specific objectives over the next five-year period like scholarship opportunities, investment trust, employment and retaining and special projects.

HelloFiji provided the following profile on the SDL:

The aims and objects of the Party shall be: (a) to secure the greatest number of Parliamentary seats in all General Elections to ensure that the Party forms the Government of Fiji; (b) to unite the Fijian and Rotuman people in order to fully and competently represent them and their interests; (c) to protect, enhance and promote the economic, social and human development of the indigenous Fijian and Rotuman communities and their future in Fiji; (d) to associate with and/or coalesce with the political Parties of other communities in order to create an association/alliance of national unity and promote nation-building; (e) to protect, enhance and promote economic, social and human development interests of all other communities and their future in Fiji; (f) to provide the nation with good, honest, dedicated and competent government and to serve with devotion to facilitate and foster accelerated economic and social development, sustained economic growth and sustained development of all communities in the country; (g) to pursue foreign policies through bilateral and international relations which would facilitate, foster and contribute to economic, social and human development in the country; (h) to consolidate the rule of law, an independent judiciary and protect the fundamental rights and freedom of every citizen in the country; (i) to establish a peaceful, caring and prosperous nation; (j) to select and support candidates for election to the Parliament of Fiji and to the City and Town Councils. (k) to support Christian values and principles and to respect the religious beliefs of other non-Christian communities (n.d.).

On 11 September 2001 the Fiji Sun reported that the NFP's "sole winning candidate" had chosen not to join with Qarase and that "it is believed ... that the party is not comfortable with some of Mr. Qarase's policies."

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Associated Press (AP). 10 September 2001. "Fiji's New Prime Minister Sworn in, Labor Says it Will Take Cabinet Posts." [Accessed 10 September 2001]

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News Online. 11 September 2001. "Fiji's New PM Faces Power Sharing Challenge." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

BBC News. 10 September 2001a. "New Crisis Threatens Fiji." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 10 September 2001b. "Profile: Fiji's Laisenia Qarase." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 9 September 2001. Phil Mercer. "Analysis: Fiji Risks New Ethnic Gulf." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 8 September 2001. "Monitors Say Fiji Election Fair." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 6 September 2001. "Fiji Vote 'Rigged' Says Former PM." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 5 September 2001. "Fiji Coup Leader Becomes MP." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

Elections Office, Suva, Fiji. 7 September 2001. "Summary by Open Seats and Type of Communal Seats." [Accessed 11 Sept. 2001]

Fiji Sun [Suva, Fiji]. 11 September 2001. Charlotte Peters. "Moderates Split Over Qarase." [Accessed 11 Sept. 2001]

_____. 10 September 2001a. "Alliance Undecided." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 10 September 2001b. Davila Waqausa. "Chaudhry Talks With Speight's Party." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 10 September 2001c. "Nukulau Detainees Urge CAMV to Merge." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

The Fiji Times [Suva, Fiji]. 10 September 2001. "UN Mission to Test Acceptance." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

FijiVillage.com. n.d. "Election Voting Results – 2001." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

HelloFiji. n.d. "Elections 2001; Party Profile: SDL." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

Las Vegas Sun. 7 September 2001. "Indigenous Fijian Coalition Likely." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

Pacific Islands Report [Honolulu]. 12 September 2001. "Fiji Ministers Sworn In." <." [Accessed 12 Sept. 2001]

Radio Australia [Melbourne]. 10 September 2001. "Asia Pacific: Breaking News; Political Crisis Looms in Fiji." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

Reuters. 10 September 2001a. James Regan. "New Fiji PM Sworn In, Ethnic Rival to Join Gov't." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

_____. 10 September 2001b. "Commonwealth Welcomes Fiji Back." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

The Times of India [Delhi]. 10 September 2001. "Fiji Ballot Reflected People's Will: UN." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]

Wansolwara Online, University of South Pacific. 9 Sept. 2001. "2001 Fiji Pill Scoreboard." [Accessed 12 Sept. 2001]

_____. 17 August 2001. Victoria Lepou. "Elections Fact-File: Past to Present." [Accessed 10 Sept. 2001]