Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to increase Fiji’s Cabinet to a total of 22 ministers has sparked considerable debate and raised concerns about its compliance with the Coalition Agreement established in 2022 among the People’s Alliance, the National Federation Party, and the Social Democratic Liberal Party. This agreement explicitly limits the number of ministers to 20, and constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has argued that the expansion breaches these terms, potentially jeopardizing the stability of the coalition.

Apted emphasized that while the Coalition Agreement is not legally binding, described as a “gentleman’s agreement,” it relies heavily on principles of mutual respect and cooperation among coalition partners. He indicated that parties believing there has been a breach could internally resolve the issue or consider leaving the coalition. Importantly, he clarified that independent Members of Parliament who were previously elected under a party’s ticket are not constitutionally barred from holding ministerial positions.

This Cabinet expansion occurs amidst significant challenges in the sugarcane industry, where many growers have signaled intentions to exit farming due to ongoing uncertainties. Such socio-economic pressures have amplified public calls for greater governmental accountability and responsiveness, especially concerning pressing issues like climate change and rising living costs.

Public reactions to this Cabinet enlargement have been mixed. Supporters argue that a larger Cabinet will enhance the government’s ability to tackle critical issues effectively, while critics, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, warn that this move introduces unnecessary bureaucracy without adequately addressing fundamental problems such as poverty and living expenses.

Despite the controversies, there is a prevailing sense of hope that these political changes could lead to improvements in governance. Observers are optimistic that as the government reassesses its priorities and engages with citizens transparently, it may foster greater public trust and responsiveness.

In summary, while the expansion of the Cabinet raises serious questions regarding adherence to political agreements and governance effectiveness, it also presents an essential opportunity for fundamental reforms. The expectation is that, through careful navigation of these changes, the government can emerge better prepared to address the diverse challenges facing its citizens, paving the way for a more united and collaborative future.