FIJI Could Face Sanctions if Coalition Continues to Undermine Democracy

Opposition MP Parveen Bala has warned that Fiji risks international sanctions and economic fallout if the government continues down a path perceived as undermining democracy.

Speaking in Parliament, Bala cautioned that the country’s economic stability depends on international goodwill, with foreign partners providing crucial financial support.

If Fiji is seen as sliding into political oppression, this support could be withdrawn, impacting not politicians but ordinary Fijians struggling to make ends meet.

“The world is watching. In this age of global accountability, any move to undermine democracy will have dire consequences,” Bala said.

“Those who fund our stability will not fund our downfall. If the government prioritizes power over the people, we must be ready for sanctions.”

Bala also questioned the stance of the National Federation Party (NFP), a coalition partner in government, asking whether its principles had been compromised by power.

During his speech, Bala paid tribute to Kausaliya Devi of Tavua, a first-generation girmitiya descendant who recently passed away at 106. He said her life was a reminder of the struggles endured to build a multiracial Fiji where all could live with dignity.

Fiji, Bala argued, is at a crossroads, and while the Opposition does not reject change for the sake of opposition, he insisted that any amendments to laws must follow due process.

He revealed that the Leader of the Opposition had reached out to the Prime Minister last week, proposing bipartisan dialogue on the issue.

“If any amendment is to be made, it must be through transparent discussion, with both sides first agreeing on the need for change before moving forward,” Bala stated.

He urged the government to defer the bill in question and allow space for consensus-building discussions.

He proposed that any legislative amendment should be moved jointly by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition with full parliamentary approval, rather than a 75% majority.

“That would be a true demonstration of national unity,” Bala concluded.