Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has criticised western democracy, saying it is not appropriate for the Pacific and has brought shame to the region.
Mr Qarase says overseas observers should get off the dangerous delusion that liberal democracy would cure all of Fiji's problems.
He says this is dangerous thinking that has led to the coup and disaster in Fiji.
"Radio Fiji says he made the remarks while opening the Commonwealth Pacific Roundtable on Democracy at Nadi today. ( Mon)"
Mr Qarase says there is a state of denial about the reality of Fiji's predicament.
He says there has been no political integration between indigenous Fijians and non-Fijians.
He says politics has become a never-ending struggle for power between the two communities.
Earlier, Mr Qarase was quoted as saying that Pacific Island states are not happy with democracy being shoved down their throats.
He said Pacific leaders would inform Australia, New Zealand and the Commonwealth Secretariat that the democracy they preach is not right for the region and doesn't go well with their customs and beliefs.
