A Fiji (parliament) for all Fijians? The impact of gender-blind and race-blind electoral provisions in a divided society

Abstract

In a gendered and racialized society, what do gender-blind and race-blind electoral provisions mean for diversity in politics? This question is particularly important for Fiji, a country with a post-independence history punctuated by successive coups and abrogations of the constitution. In 2013, a military administration promulgated what was purported to be an “ethnically blind” constitution that championed civic rights. Nine years later, in 2022, a democratic milestone was achieved with the first successful transition of power since the 2006 military coup. Yet this change was accompanied by reduced diversity in parliamentary representation. This article explores the impact of gender-blind and race-blind electoral provisions in the 2022 Fiji general elections. It finds that despite progressive elements, ultimately, the 2013 constitution entrenches the status quo of politics–militarized and dominated by male and ethnic Fijian interests. In this context, and despite democratic advancements, diverse voices continue to be marginalized in Fijian politics.