Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent move to increase Fiji’s Cabinet by appointing three new ministers and three assistant ministers has raised significant concerns regarding adherence to the Coalition Agreement established in 2022. This agreement, which encompasses the People’s Alliance (PA), the National Federation Party (NFP), and the Social Democratic Liberal Party, explicitly limits the Cabinet size to 20 members, as outlined in Clause 4.

Constitutional expert Jon Apted has highlighted that the Cabinet expansion represents a breach of this agreement, potentially jeopardizing the coalition’s stability. He described the Coalition Agreement as a “gentleman’s agreement” without legal enforceability, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation among coalition partners. Apted noted that any perceived breaches could lead parties to resolve issues internally or consider exiting the coalition altogether.

The reshuffle comes amid heightened concerns in Fiji’s sugarcane sector, where many growers are signaling intentions to leave the industry within the next five years due to uncertainties. These socio-economic pressures have triggered calls from the public for improved government accountability and responsive governance.

Public opinion on the Cabinet expansion is mixed. Supporters argue that a larger Cabinet could enhance the government’s ability to tackle critical issues, such as climate change and law enforcement, thereby promoting a more effective administration. Conversely, critics, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, warn that increasing the number of ministers could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and distract from addressing pressing challenges like rising living costs and poverty.

Despite the controversies surrounding the Cabinet expansion, there is a hopeful perspective that these changes could usher in a renewed focus on transparency and community engagement in governance. Observers remain optimistic that the government can realign its priorities to be more attuned to the needs and aspirations of all Fijians, fostering a collaborative approach to governance.

In summary, while Prime Minister Rabuka’s Cabinet expansion raises critical questions about governance and adherence to coalition agreements, it also presents a crucial opportunity for reform. There is hope that through careful navigation of these changes, Fiji can emerge with a more unified and responsive government that effectively addresses the diverse challenges its citizens face.