The Government says it is closely watching the "outcome of the constitutional process" in Fiji as the current ruling party refuses to concede after an election.
A statement from a New Zealand Government spokesperson on Thursday morning offered no congratulations to any political parties in the Pacific Island nation, despite Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta on Wednesday congratulating three on "forming a coalition".
A top politician from the ruling Fiji First party says Mahuta "jumped the gun" with the tweet and suggested the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji could help the minister with making "wise statements".
In an election in Fiji last week, Frank Bainimarama's Fiji First party won 26 seats, to Sitiveni Rabuka's People Alliance's (PA) 21, the National Federation Party's (NFP) five, and the Social Democratic Liberal Party's three.
As 28 seats are needed to form a government, the parties entered negotiations. SODELPA on Tuesday announced it would support PA and NFP in a coalition.
However, the political situation remains shaky.
SODELPA's general secretary quit the party on Tuesday night after the result of the coalition negotiations was made public, alleging bribery was involved in the board's decision to join PA and NFP.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the general secretary of Fiji First, then on Wednesday held a press conference accepting the election result, but refusing to concede.
He said it was "contentious" whether SODELPA would support PA and NFP and argued leader Bainimarama remained Prime Minister until the nation's Parliament sat and voted on a change.
During that press conference, Sayed-Khaiyum was asked what his message was to foreign governments which had sent congratulations to parties. He said it was his understanding only New Zealand had done so.
"It is unfortunate for the Minister of Foreign Affairs in New Zealand," he said.
"Maybe her Pacific desk has not advised her of the legal parameters within this country. She jumped the gun. I hope that her High Commission here is a bit more wise and helps her make wise statements."
Newshub asked the Government on Thursday for a response to Sayed-Khaiyum's comment.
A statement provided by a spokesperson didn't directly acknowledge his comments, but said New Zealand is keeping an eye on events in Fiji. It also didn't offer any congratulations as Mahuta's tweet did.
"Aotearoa New Zealand is aware of coalition developments in Fiji and we continue to watch the outcome of the constitutional process closely," a spokesperson said. "We look forward to working with Fiji’s next government to continue to strengthen our warm friendship."
The Government welcomed an interim statement from the Multinational Observer Group, which didn't observe any significant irregularities or issues with voting in the Fiji election.
"The observers’ findings play an important role in ensuring the people of Fiji have confidence in the election outcome," the Government spokesperson said. "We trust that the democratic process will play out."
"New Zealand has been proud to contribute election observers, including four current or former MPs, to the Group. This reflects New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to Fiji, and to democracy in the Pacific."
At a press conference on Wednesday, hours after Mahuta's tweet, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was asked if she had sent any congratulations to Rambuka.
"No, not at the stage," she said.
"It is not unusual for us to wait until the dust settles, until there is the real finality over different processes. My understanding is that there is a few extra things the system will continue to go through. Our role as New Zealand is simply to observe support Fiji as it comes through its election process.
"Let's just allow the process to run its course. But we stand ready to support Fiji through its process should we need to be at any stage be called upon in the same way that we acted as observers through this electoral process. I have faith in Fiji's ability to conduct the remaining stages of this process and stand ready to acknowledge their new leader."
If the three-party PA, NFP and SODELPA coalition does proceed, it would mark an end to Bainimarama's 16 years in power. He became Prime Minister following a coup in 2006.
Rambuka, who leads PA, the second largest party, has been Fiji's Prime Minister before. He also led a coup in 1987 and then was elected Prime Minister from 1992 to 1999.
