How Did the Fijian Electoral System Contribute to Ethnic Tensions and to the Political Instability in Fiji?

Abstract

Since it gained independence in 1970, Fiji has experienced four coups and has seen three constitutions being drafted only to be repealed again. Fiji’s latest constitution even has the questionable distinction of being repealed twice; once in 2000 after George Speight’s civilian coup and then again in 2009 after the Fijian Court of Appeal declared Frank Bainimarama’s coup of 2006 to be illegal. This is particularly remarkable as the 1997 Constitution contained reforms to Fiji’s electoral system that were purpose-designed to foster inter-ethnic accommodation and national unity. This essay will analyse in how far the continuation of political instabilities and ethnic tensions can be attributed to this electoral system. The paper argues that contrary to its goal of fostering inter-ethnic moderation, the 1997 Constitution has in fact contributed to the political instabilities in Fiji.