Staff of the election office and scrutineers are seen at the Fijian Elections Office National Count Centre in Suva on Dec 15, 2022. (SAEED KHAN / AFP)
SYDNEY – Fiji's military chief warned lawmakers on Tuesday against making "sweeping changes" less than a month after contested elections that removed the government of Frank Bainimarama, who ruled the Pacific island for 16 years after taking power in a coup.
Fiji has a history of military coups, including two staged by current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 1987. Rabuka became prime minister on Dec 24 after a coalition of parties narrowly voted to install him as leader of the strategically important Pacific nation.
On Tuesday, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai said the military would "like to raise its concerns with regards to the sweeping changes of the current government to establish a firm transition of power and democratic control as the government of the day."
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On Tuesday, Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai said the military would "like to raise its concerns with regards to the sweeping changes of the current government to establish a firm transition of power and democratic control as the government of the day"
He later met with Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who holds responsibility for the military in the new government.
Tikoduadua was expected to issue a statement later in the day, Fiji media reported.
Kalouniwai's earlier statement, reported in local media, does not mention any specific issues with the government but does say unidentified "changes are creating shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes and procedures."
"The RFMF believes that trying and failing to democratize in adverse circumstances has the potential to bring about fateful, long-term national security consequences," Kalouniwai said.
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The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Fiji's military also could not be immediately reached by Reuters.