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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

ROUNDTABLE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF COMMONWEALTH PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES ON CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY IN THE PACIFIC

20 August 2002

Denarau Island, Fiji Islands, 19-20 August 2002

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

Heads of Government of Commonwealth Pacific Island Countries met at the Sheraton Royal Hotel, Denarau Island, Fiji Islands on 19-20 August 2002 to discuss the challenges facing democracy and governance in the Pacific region today. The Roundtable was convened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon, and was chaired by Hon Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister of Fiji Islands. It was also attended by Hon Dr Robert Woonton, Prime Minister of Cook Islands, H. E. President Teburoro Tito, President of Kiribati, Hon. Young Vivien, Premier of Niue, Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Sir Allan Kemakeza, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, H.R.H. Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka-Ata, Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Saufatu Sopoaga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Edward Natapei, Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Hon Moi Avei, Minister of Energy, Papua New Guinea.

The Roundtable received a Report from its Preparatory Meeting, held at Nadi on 15-16 August, which was attended by Members of Parliament from Commonwealth Pacific Island Countries and a number of distinguished academics. The Preparatory Meeting Report presented for the consideration of Heads of Government a range of measures that could be adopted by Pacific countries to make democratic governance more suited to Pacific circumstances, and thus improve the quality of democracy in the region and reduce the potential for conflict.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the Commonwealth and to the fundamental political values contained in the Harare Commonwealth Declaration, in particular democracy, democratic processes and institutions which reflect national circumstances, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, just and honest government. They agreed that the challenges facing democracy in the Pacific in many instances derived from inherited processes and institutions based on external models which did not take account of Pacific social, cultural and traditional values.
To improve democratic governance in the Pacific, Heads of Government agreed on the following:

Constitutional Issues

There is no perfect constitutional model to suit all Pacific Island Countries. Existing written Constitutions, based largely on the Westminster model, often contain aspects that are foreign to the Pacific experience and fail to take account of the circumstances and values of Pacific societies. Pacific Constitutions should reflect the aspirations of and be owned by the people. They should be formulated, and reviewed and amended as required, in consultation with the people through a process of wide community participation.

Attention should be given to federal and decentralised constitutional arrangements where these are suited to a particular Pacific nation.

Parliament Issues

The accountability and transparency of executive and parliamentary processes should be strengthened, including in some cases through effective parliamentary committees. Measures ought to be enacted to enhance the stability of governments.
Electoral systems and political parties should actively encourage the representation of women in Parliament.
Parliamentarians and political parties have a duty to uphold and respect "the national interest", and to promote national unity, stability and peace.
Election Issues
To meet the needs of different Pacific societies, different electoral systems, including FPP, preferential voting and proportional representation should be considered. To ensure that voters fully understand electoral systems, there is a need for increased voter education by appropriate independent electoral bodies.

There is a need for limits over, and full disclosure of, both campaign funding and expenditure.

Issues of Culture and Tradition

There is a need for greater recognition of the unique cultures of each Pacific Island Country. Communal values as well as individual rights are important, and there is merit in the devolution of power to communities.

Land ownership and usage in Pacific societies must be respected.

Civil society including the churches have a valuable role in promoting peace and stability.

Governance Issues

The rule of law and internal security are prerequisites for stable democracy and good governance.

There is a need to combat corruption in all its forms; corruption undermines democratic practice and Pacific values. The Pacific would benefit from Codes of Conduct for Parliamentarians and public office holders. Accountability must also apply to the non-government sector, including civil society. Linking economic or other external support to "good governance" will always raise questions.

A free and responsible media contributes to the democratic process.

National Identity

In parts of the Pacific, the concept of national identity has not fully evolved, in part due to the colonial legacy. In countries so affected, national, political party and community leaders should all actively promote national identity in the interest of stability and national harmony.

Commonwealth and Forum Response

The Roundtable agreed that both the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum should undertake an active programme to promote democracy in the Pacific region. Such programmes might include: supporting closer co-operation amongst Pacific Parliamentarians; leadership and best parliamentary practice training and education for Parliamentarians and senior officials; training in public administration, especially in areas of finance, law enforcement and public accountability; the drafting of a model law on campaign financing; and media training, information programmes and civic education. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association could assist with the training of Parliamentarians.

The Roundtable also requested the Commonwealth Secretariat and Pacific Islands Forum to support electoral processes and institutions in the region, including by undertaking election observation, when supported by national governments. The two institutions were also requested to assist governments on request and as appropriate with the maintenance of national security.

The Heads of Government commended the initiative of the Commonwealth Secretary-General in convening the Roundtable, and requested that he report on the implementation of the above recommendations at the next meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum.
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