By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor
Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has urged legislators not to sow seeds of “fear and division” as the country moves towards a general election later this year.
Speaking at the opening of the fourth and final session of Parliament before the polls, Ratu Naiqama called on political leaders and their supporters to engage constructively and respect the rule of law before, during and after the elections.
Fijians are expected to head to the polls anytime between August 7 (earliest) this year and 6 February 2027 (latest).
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In an almost hour-long speech, which mentioned the word “unity” 17 times and covered a wide range of topics, Ratu Naiqama also confirmed the coalition government had commenced a review of the 2013 Constitution.
“The Constitution Amendment Bill, like all other Bills, will be made public and undergo an extensive consultation process with robust public debate and input before it is tabled to Cabinet and Parliament,” he said.
AI will have ‘detrimental effect on governance’
Other topics focused from unity in diversity to climate change and the threats posed by artificial intelligence.
Ratu Naiqama said he was at pains to underline factors which created division, noting the threat of false information.
On media and artificial intelligence, he said information was being disseminated at unprecedented speed but with little regard for accuracy.
“The misuse of artificial intelligence is an emerging threat that will have a detrimental effect on governance, national unity and peace,” he said.
“While freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of our democracy, it carries with it a grave responsibility.”
Fiji’s multicultural society is one of its greatest strengths, he said. However, unity did not arise automatically from diversity, he added.
“Unity must be consciously built through fair laws, inclusive policies, respectful leadership, and a shared commitment to the common good.”
Flagged Truth Commission
Ratu Naiqama flagged the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process as important to fostering unity, inclusivity and mutual understanding across all communities, saying its “findings and recommendations should be approached with maturity, guiding practical measures that strengthen reconciliation, institutional learning, and lasting social cohesion”.
The president described climate change as “the defining challenge of our time” and that Fiji would remain a global leader in climate advocacy, “while acting decisively at home”.
Looking at the region, Ratu Naiqama said Pacific nations were navigating complex geostrategic dynamics, while striving to preserve peace, cooperation and their sovereignty.
He reiterated the importance of the Ocean of Peace concept reinvigorated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at last year’s Pacific Forum leaders’ summit.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.
APR editor | Radio Free (2026-02-18T04:23:10+00:00) Fiji’s president warns against sowing ‘seeds of fear’ ahead of elections. Retrieved from https://www.radiofree.org/2026/02/18/fijis-president-warns-against-sowing-seeds-of-fear-ahead-of-elections/
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