Until late last week, New Zealand and other countries were right to show restraint as events unfolded in Fiji. The military government had, from time to time, uttered conciliatory remarks that indicated the country might yet embrace democracy and a multiracial constitution. All such hopes were, however, dashed when, first, the military and then the Great Council of Chiefs bowed to George Speight's demands. The granting of an amnesty to Speight and his henchmen and the selection of Speight's nominee, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, as president illustrated beyond doubt the tacit backing of many indigenous Fijians for the rebels' racist dogma.
An ultra-nationalist administration and racist constitution now appear inevitable, as does the likelihood of Speight remaining a heavy and undesirable influence.
That process - and a well-warranted pariah status - can only be reversed by strong and concerted international pressure.
In the first instance, Fiji should be suspended from the Commonwealth and a deadline imposed for it to restore democratic norms. If that deadline is not met, the country should be expelled from the Commonwealth. At that point, it faces a tough road back to international acceptance. Additionally, New Zealand and Australia should impose economic sanctions. That will, unfortunately, impose suffering on the people of Fiji, including the blameless Indian community. But not taking such action is akin to condoning the toppling of a democratically elected government by force of arms.
The Government, aside from a misguided appeal to the media to snub Speight, has steered an appropriate course in appealing to Fiji's powerbrokers over the coup leader's head. Attempts to cajole those irresolute figures back to democracy have been mixed with warnings of the repercussions if Fiji went its own way. Those words of warning must now be backed with action. In all likelihood, the European Union will take a similarly strong position. Sanctions from that quarter will have a devastating impact on sugar, Fiji's main export earner.