Fiji

Electoral competition is significantly skewed in favor of the regime, to the point where the real, mainstream political opposition has a highly unlikely although realistic chance to win. Until 2022, the government led by Bainimarama disqualified opposition figures through judicial proceedings, heavily controlled the media and campaign environment, and enacted electoral laws to sideline the opposition. While the new government under Rabuka has repealed some restrictive media regulations, independent electoral oversight remains flawed, with the incumbent continuing to appoint loyalists to key election management bodies.

Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and members of the general public are seriously and unfairly hindered in their ability to openly criticize or challenge the regime. Although press and media freedom have improved under Rabuka’s government, public officials continue to employ sedition laws to silence critics, including journalists and political opponents. The regime also habitually denies permits for peaceful, dissenting protests.

Finally, institutions are somewhat independent but frequently constrained by the regime in a way that enables it to systematically weaken or dismantle accountability mechanisms. The 2013 constitution has provided legal protection to past coup perpetrators, limiting the ability of courts to ensure their accountability, although the establishment of a Trust and Reconciliation Commission in 2024 constitutes a step forward in promoting open dialogue and social cohesion in the island country. Independent oversight bodies continue to suffer from politically motivated appointments and executive interference, which reduces their effectiveness.