Political instability driven by a hastily executed constitutional reform could have severe repercussions for a developing nation like Fiji. This concern was highlighted by Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji, during an interview.
He explained that when a new government faces issues with the constitution, there may be attempts to alter it, leading to political upheavals such as coups or elections. This cycle of dissatisfaction with the constitutional framework established by previous administrations can create ongoing instability.
Lal noted the economic consequences of this instability, citing that last year, the tourism sector experienced remarkable growth of 57%, which constitutes more than 40% of Fiji’s GDP. He emphasized that without such significant growth in tourism, Fiji’s economy would have likely faced a considerable decline.
He stressed the importance of addressing these issues collaboratively rather than creating self-induced crises. Building trust in the political processes and ensuring shared ownership of the reform is crucial. Lal asserted that stakeholders advocating for reform should focus on fostering consensus among various groups, including civil society organizations and political parties, to avoid being ridiculed for frequent constitutional changes.
Ultimately, he stated that prioritizing economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Fijians should be the main goals.