Tagged: Fiji

According to Proexchangerates, the Republic of Fiji is a unitary parliamentary republic with a Westminster-style government. The head of state is the President, who is elected by Parliament and serves as a largely ceremonial figurehead. Executive power is held by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President on the recommendation of Parliament. Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives, which has 50 members elected for four-year terms; and the Senate, which has 32 members appointed for five-year terms. The House has exclusive control over legislation and taxation while the Senate reviews legislation passed by the House and may suggest amendments to it. Fiji’s judicial system consists of a Supreme Court, magistrates courts, and village courts. Judges are appointed by the President on recommendation from an independent Judicial Services Commission. The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts as well as cases involving constitutional matters or other matters referred to it by Parliament or other high courts. Fiji has taken steps to improve transparency in its governance including passing anti-corruption laws that provide penalties for those found guilty of bribery or other forms of corruption in public service positions or private sector businesses. In addition, access to information laws have been passed that promote transparency within public institutions such as state agencies and local governments. However, there are still significant issues regarding accountability and rule of law within Fiji’s government due to lack of oversight mechanisms and limited enforcement capacity. In addition, human rights abuses remain an issue in Fiji due to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly as well as arbitrary detention without trial or charge that often results in torture or ill treatment. Fiji is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of more than 300 islands. The country has a population of just over 900,000 people and is considered to be one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Fiji has strong ties with its closest neighbors Australia and New Zealand, as well as other Pacific Island countries such as Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu. Fiji’s foreign policy is based on principles such as non-alignment, respect for international law and peaceful settlement of disputes. The country is a member of the United Nations (UN), Commonwealth of Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO) and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Fiji maintains good relations with its immediate neighbors Australia and New Zealand due to shared interests such as trade agreements, military cooperation and development assistance programs. The two countries have signed several agreements including the Closer Economic Relationship Agreement (CER) which provides for free trade between them. In addition to this, Fiji also has close ties with other regional powers such as China who have invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Fiji. Fiji also has close links with India through historical ties dating back centuries ago when Indian traders settled on the islands. In recent years these ties have been strengthened through increased trade between the two countries which has seen Indian exports to Fiji rise significantly. In addition to this, India also provides development assistance programs aimed at improving healthcare services and educational opportunities in Fiji. Fiji’s relations with other major international powers are generally positive although there are tensions due to its human rights record which has been criticized by some Western nations such as the United States. Despite this however, Fiji continues to maintain good diplomatic relations with most countries around the world including several members of the European Union (EU). See themotorcyclers for Fiji defense and foreign policy.