Fiji, March 24 -- Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has told government communications officers that clear and coordinated messaging is critical to maintaining public trust and protecting democracy.

Speaking at the Fiji Government Communications Conference on Monday, Rabuka said effective communication is central to governance.

"A government cannot succeed if it cannot communicate."

He said public understanding of government actions builds trust and participation.

"When citizens understand what their government is doing and why, they are more likely to engage, to trust, and to participate in our democracy."

Rabuka warned that governments globally are facing increasing challenges in maintaining public confidence.

"But we live in ...