9 Jan 2023

Calls for a stop in Fiji to politics of fear in the post-election period.

12:57 pm on 9 January 2023
Sodelpa party leaders

Social Democratic Liberal Party (Sodelpa) announcing it had joined forces with the People's Alliance - National Federation Party (NFP) bloc on December 24, 2022. Photo: RNZ Pacific

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji has called for an immediate stop to what it calls the rhetoric and politics of fear in the post-election period.

The group said recent public statements from the leader of the opposition have been unsettling, without evidence, irresponsible and reckless.

Former Fiji prime minister, Frank Bainimarama speaks to journalists

Photo: RNZ Pacific

While the group encourages the calling out of the State in their governance, they are also equally adamant that there is no deliberate encouragement of untrue calls and actions that threaten Fiji's post-election transition.

The group said this is a fragile and new beginning for Fiji as a nation after the 2006 coup and its consequences.

The Fiji Elections Office national count centre in the capital Suva. December 2022

The Fiji Elections Office national count centre in the capital Suva. December 2022 Photo: Fiji Elections Office

The Coalition emphasises that this is a time for political parties to focus on jointly rebuilding and constructively helping all Fijians move towards a Fiji that is genuinely free, respects human rights and practises the principles of a true democracy.

It said that Fijians overwhelmingly voted for a change, and this is what we must respect, and allow changes within lawful means in the next four years.

The Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM) is currently the secretariat of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) with FWRM Executive Director, Nalini Singh as Chair.