Fiji military warns new PM’s government against making ‘sweeping changes’

Commander claims ‘trying and failing to democratise’ country can jeopardise national security, just over a month after hotly contested elections

Fiji’s military chief has warned MPs against making “sweeping changes”, less than a month after contested elections that removed the government of Frank Bainimarama, who ruled the Pacific island for 16 years after taking power in a coup.

Under Fiji’s constitution – adopted in 2013 – the military has wide powers to intervene in politics. The new government – under the control of prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka – has said that reviewing the constitution is one of its immediate priorities.