The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary– Dec 26, 2022; Day 390

Leave quietly: On a new round of political crisis in Fiji

Bainimarama should accept the results in Fiji, and respectfully leave the office

Fiji, the tiny archipelago (A group of many islands in a large body of water) nation in the South Pacific that has seen several coups (A sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force) since it got independence from the British in 1970, is facing a new round of power struggle and political instability. The latest crisis broke out (Begin suddenly and sometimes violently) after the December 14 general election produced a hung (having no party with a working majority) assembly with the ruling Fiji First party of Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama winning 26 seats in the 55-member Parliament, three short of majority. The People’s Alliance of former Prime Minister and current opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka came second with 21 seats. Mr. Bainimarama, who came to power through a coup in 2006 and later refashioned himself as a democratic leader under a new Constitution that was introduced in 2013, has faced criticism of suppressing dissent (A difference of opinion) and cracking down (Repress or suppress (something regarded as undesirable)) on the opposition. The election was marred (Destroy or injure severely) by allegations of fraud. But after the results were announced, three opposition parties came together to unseat Mr. Bainimarama and form a coalition government. The People’s Alliance and its coalition partner, the National Federation Party (which won five seats), have 26 MPs’ support. This left the third opposition bloc (A group of countries in special alliance), the Social Democratic Liberal Party which won three seats, in a kingmaker’s role. The party decided on Tuesday in a close internal vote to support Mr. Rabuka, tilting (Move sideways or in an unsteady way) the balance in favour of the People’s Alliance.

Mr. Rabuka, who first came to power through a coup in 1987 and then faced elections, is an experienced politician who built the opposition unity based on their common enmity towards Mr. Bainimarama’s rule. Mr. Bainimarama has emerged on the world stage as a major advocate of actions against climate change. His government also saw Fiji deepening its relationship with China, whose footprint (A trace suggesting that something was once present, felt or otherwise important) in the South Pacific is rapidly expanding. The Fiji First still remains a strong party, but the opposition deal sealed its fate. The Prime Minister has not conceded (Admit (to a wrongdoing)) yet. After the opposition announced the coalition agreement, the government called in (Summon to a particular activity or employment) the military. Authorities say there were incidents of ethnic violence (between indigenous Fijians and ethnic Indians). Fiji has a history of ethnic clashes, but the opposition say there is no law-and-order problem and that Mr. Bainimarama is trying to cling on (To remain emotionally or intellectually attached) to power. Any attempt to sabotage (Destroy property or hinder normal operations) the election results will destabilise the country internally, disrupt its ethnic balance and complicate its foreign policy agenda. Mr. Bainimarama should accept the results, respectfully leave the office and set a strong precedent (A subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)) of peaceful transition of power for the country’s political class.

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