Fiji’s Military Called In To Maintain Country’s Order

Fiji’s military has been called in to help police maintain law and order in the country, the nation’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the move on Thursday.

The decision to call in army and navy personnel was made after Bainimarama met with police and military leaders.

The move comes after last week’s election that resulted in a fiasco in the country.

Amid the election, Fiji’s opposition leader also filed a complaint at the country’s elections commission.

This happened as Sitiveni Rabuka’s coalition was already ahead in the counts when authorities took down the election results, citing technical problems.

When the results came back four hours later, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s Fiji First party was in the lead.

Rabuka then said to reporters that his party was not satisfied with the outcome.

He added that he has asked Fiji’s electoral commission for an explanation.

As to the military call-up, Bainimarama said in his statement; “So long as it is our responsibility to serve in government, we will fulfil our duty to every Fijian’s safety.”

He also added; “Reports of harassment suffered by our citizens and violence targeted at Indo-Fijian homes and businesses in the wake of the election are deeply disturbing.”

Bainimarama has been in power for 16 years after orchestrating a military coup and also introducing a new constitution and winning elections in 2014 and 2018.