Fiji: General elections to occur nationwide Dec. 14

Event

Fiji will hold its third general election Dec. 14. More than 690,000 Fijians are likely to vote nationwide for 55 members of parliament. At total of 342 candidates from nine political parties have registered to contest the 2022 elections. Campaign events and rallies will likely occur in the run-up to the vote. The largest gatherings could draw hundreds of participants, especially in the capital, Suva. Political events are also likely in other parts of Fiji, including Nadi, Lautoka, and Vanua Lua Island. Rallies are possible at popular venues such as government offices, prominent roadways and intersections, public squares and landmarks, and polling locations.

Authorities will almost certainly bolster security in the lead-up to and on election day. Heightened security is likely at campaign events, as well as polling locations and counting centers across Fiji. While minor skirmishes could break out during rallies, particularly between supporters of opposing camps, the threat of politically motivated violence is low. Localized transport disruptions may occur near rally sites and polling stations during the vote. Allegations of vote tampering and electoral fraud, any arrest or charges against opposition candidates, as well as signs the incumbent FijiFirst party may not accept the results in the event of an opposition victory, could lead to civil unrest during and after the election. Protests could also occur if any losing parties reject the election results.

Context

The upcoming vote will be Fiji's third general election since the 2006 coup led by incumbent Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who obtained a slim majority with just over 50 percent of the total vote during the 2018 elections. Nine political parties will compete for votes amid key issues such as poverty, national debt, ethnic tensions, and concern of further coups. The main parties include Bainimarama's FijiFirst, Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), and National Federation Party (NFP). The People’s Alliance (PA), established by the former prime minister after leaving SODELPA in 2020, will also contest in the elections. Political tensions have increased in recent months due to delays by the FijiFirst party to declare a date for the general election. Opposition MPs have also accused Bainimarama's government of intimidating and harassing political opponents after authorities filed charges against NFP leader Biman Prasad.

Advice

Exercise caution around campaign events, polling stations, and other election-related sites. Avoid political rallies due to the potential for clashes. Confirm all business appointments and transport reservations Dec. 14. Monitor local media for the outcome of the election; avoid any protests that may materialize following the vote due to the potential for clashes.