Six leading opposition figures detained 10-11 Sept after criticising 2013 constitution at forum which police said lacked permit and breached public order decree. Govt rejected expressions of concern from New Zealand and Australia over freedom of speech as “interference”. National Federation party boycotted opening session of new Fijian parliament late month.

Parliament 9 Feb endorsed suspension of three opposition National Federation Party MPs from legislature over auditing dispute. Opposition Sodelpa MPs walked out of parliament 11 Feb in protest over suspension and over proposed changes to parliament’s standing orders which it said ignored procedures. Govt declared state of emergency after worst recorded cyclone 20 Feb devastated parts of country, forced tens of thousands to flee homes; over 40 confirmed killed by end Feb.

Public prosecutor 24 Aug charged four people with sedition and urging political violence, bringing total number of people charged in separate cases to 70. Govt deployed military 19 Aug to assist police investigations regarding suspected rebel groups. PM Bainimarama late Aug vowed to arrest dissidents planning to overthrow govt.

Fiji hosted visits by Chinese President Xi and Indian PM Modi, following their attendance at G20 talks in Australia. Xi held talks with PM Bainimarama and other Pacific island leaders aimed at strengthening ties; announced additional $11.4m aid for Fiji, signed MoUs including on defence. Further normalisation of regional, international ties following Sept elections: Pacific Islands Forum regional bloc late Oct reinstated Fiji’s membership; New Zealand reinstated High Commissioner to Fiji late Nov.

Australian FM Julie Bishop 31 Oct commenced two day visit to Fiji, same day announced Australian govt lifted all sanctions; U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed announced U.S. also lifted sanctions late-Oct.

Fiji First Party led by military ruler Frank Bainimarama won 17 Sept general election, Bainimarama sworn in as PM 22 Sept; international monitors said results fair.

Regional leaders at Pacific Island Forum (PIF) held 29 July to 1 Aug agreed to lift Fiji’s ban from PIF if Fijian elections scheduled for Sept are free and fair.

Accusing Australia and New Zealand of interfering in Fiji’s internal affairs, military leader Bainimarama expelled both countries’ Commissioners 4 Nov; Australia responded in kind.

Acting PM Ganilau called 1 Sept suspension of Fiji from Commonwealth “disappointing”, again rejected Oct 2010 election deadline set by group. Commonwealth envoy Paul Reeves met regime leaders in Suva, pushed dialogue on electoral, constitutional issues; barred from meeting opposition leaders. EU 24 Sept announced 6-month extension of sanctions. Military leader Bainimarama 26 Sept defended 2006 coup and 2014 election timeline before UNGA, criticised apparent decision to exclude Fijian military from UN peacekeeping operations.