Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to expand Fiji’s Cabinet from 20 to 22 ministers has ignited a significant controversy, raising questions about its alignment with the Coalition Agreement established in 2022 between the People’s Alliance, the National Federation Party, and the Social Democratic Liberal Party. This agreement clearly stipulates a cap of 20 ministers, which many, including prominent constitutional lawyer Jon Apted, argue poses a possible breach of such commitment.

Apted emphasized that while the Coalition Agreement is akin to a “gentleman’s agreement” and lacks legal enforcement, its validity relies heavily on mutual respect and cooperation among the coalition partners. He highlighted that any party feeling a violation has occurred might seek internal resolution or consider stepping away from the alliance. Additionally, Apted clarified that there are no constitutional barriers preventing independent MPs—those who were elected under a party ticket—from serving in a coalition government.

Compounding the political turmoil is the ongoing crisis in the sugarcane industry, where many growers have expressed intentions to leave due to uncertainty about their future. These economic pressures have led to a public demand for increased government accountability and effective responses to urgent socio-economic issues, including climate change and the rising cost of living.

Public sentiment about the Cabinet expansion is polarized. Supporters argue that a larger Cabinet could enhance the government’s ability to tackle pressing issues effectively, whereas critics, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, caution that this may create unnecessary bureaucracy without adequately addressing fundamental problems like poverty.

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Observers hope that as the government recalibrates its priorities and emphasizes transparency in governance, it can foster public trust and responsiveness. The belief is that these political changes could lead to a more unified government better equipped to handle the diverse needs of all Fijians.

In summary, while Prime Minister Rabuka’s Cabinet expansion raises substantial questions regarding governance and adherence to coalition agreements, it may also serve as a crucial opportunity for reform in Fiji. Navigating these changes thoughtfully could enable the government to emerge more responsive and capable of addressing the challenges faced by its citizens, setting a hopeful trajectory for future collaborative governance in the nation.