What is the US government’s position on the current interim administration?
The United States has had a long and friendly relationship with Fiji. However, the U.S. has opposed Fiji’s four coups, including the one in December 2006. The U.S. believes Fiji needs to return to a democratically elected government as rapidly as possible. In that regard, we have harmonized our approach with Fiji’s neighbors in the Pacific Islands Forum. In general in the world, the U.S. believes an unelected government installed by coup lacks a mandate from the people, and does not have the sorts of checks and balances in place that a democratic government provides. 2. What are the repercussions for Fiji if the general election is not conducted by March next year? Answer: The United States was encouraged when interim PM Bainimarama pledged to Pacific Island Forum leaders last October in Tonga that the interim government will organize free and fair elections under the 1997 Constitution by March 2009, with all parties able to participate, and with the military abiding by the results. A
