Fiji’s coalition government has been thrown into turmoil as both of its Deputy Prime Ministers have now stepped down from Cabinet, each facing corruption-related charges filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad resigned this week after being charged for allegedly failing to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited in December 2015, in breach of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act.
“I believe I must step aside,” Prof. Prasad said in a statement, confirming he met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday morning before announcing his decision. He vowed to contest the case “swiftly” and return to focus on public service from the backbench.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica — who was also responsible for trade and economic portfolios — resigned earlier after being charged with perjury and providing false information to a public servant. His lawyer has described the charges as “defective” and lacking credible evidence.
Both Prasad and Kamikamica will remain Members of Parliament while they fight their respective legal battles.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the departures, thanking both leaders for their contributions, while confirming that Assistant Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel will serve as Acting Finance Minister. Rabuka will temporarily oversee Kamikamica’s portfolio responsibilities.
The unprecedented back-to-back resignations have intensified scrutiny on the stability of Rabuka’s three-party coalition, which came to power promising transparency and reform.
Political analysts say the situation may reflect deeper tensions within the government.
Civil society groups have called for due process and caution against political interference, with Transparency International Fiji warning that anti-corruption efforts must remain “fair, even-handed and free of partisan motivation”.
The timing of Prasad’s resignation is particularly sensitive, as the government prepares its 2026 national budget and negotiates key international financing and investment arrangements.
Business groups have urged rapid reassurance to avoid damaging investor confidence. With Fiji heading towards a general election in 2026, the fate of both court cases now looms large over the coalition’s credibility.
Prasad is expected to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court on 19 November, while Kamikamica has been “formally granted bail with a $10,000 bond” and his matter has been adjourned to 28 November 2025 for mention.
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