Fiji

The three branches

Head of state — President of the Republic

Ceremonial; elected by Parliament for a three-year term.

Executive — Cabinet led by the Prime Minister

Responsible to Parliament.

Legislative — Parliament of Fiji

Unicameral, 55 seats, elected from a single national constituency by open-list proportional representation with a 5% threshold.

Judicial — Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court

Judges appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission.

Indigenous affairs — iTaukei Affairs Board and Great Council of Chiefs

The Great Council of Chiefs was reinstated in 2023 after being disestablished in 2012.

How legislation is made

Bills are introduced in the unicameral Parliament, referred to a standing committee, and pass through second reading, committee and third reading before assent by the President. There is no upper house. A constitutional amendment requires the support of three-quarters of all members of Parliament and then approval by three-quarters of registered voters at a referendum, a threshold that has never been met.

Enforcement institutions

Fiji Police Force

National police service headed by a Commissioner.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Constitutionally independent under section 117.

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC)

Investigates and prosecutes corruption offences.

Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission

Established under section 45 of the Constitution.

Legal Aid Commission

Provides criminal, family and civil legal aid nationally.