IB2017/13 Suspension of Opposition MPs in Fiji's Parliament

Fiji’s new parliament that emerged in 2014 after eight years of military rule revived the prospects for parliamentary democracy in that country. However, concerns have been raised about the suspension of Opposition members of parliament (MPs). These suspensions highlight broader issues regarding executive–legislative relations in Fiji’s parliament and the prospects of a robust parliamentary democracy in Fiji. This In Brief examines the MP suspensions, highlights some of the concerns that have been raised both in Fiji and abroad and considers some implications.