A second coup attempt in the South Pacific has many wondering what has fouled the tropical air. The answer is simple: corruption and inefficiency. In both Fiji and the Solomon Islands, ethnic groups have used the cause of indigenous rights to shield practices that often verge on the criminal. Inept governments have perpetuated poverty and fostered racial divisions. Contrary to the calls for racial and ethnic set-asides, the solution is more democracy, not less.

In Fiji, Mr. George Speight, a disgruntled Fijian businessman -- who incidentally was about to go to trial on charges of fraud and extortion -- took the prime minister and his Cabinet hostage on May 19. Mr. Speight has demanded a new constitution that would only allow native Fijians to rule and a new government. The native council of tribal chiefs apparently acceded to his demands. After rioting last month, the armed forces declared martial law. The standoff continues, however. Mr. Speight's demands keep escalating. He is now demanding a veto over the government. The military has refused. There is little sign that the rights of the 49 percent of nonindigenous Fijians will be respected no matter who eventually prevails.

In the Solomon Islands, an 18-month-old insurgency spilled over into violence last week when a group took that country's prime minister hostage as well. The roots of the unrest go back to World War II, when the United States took control of the island in 1942. It set up a capital on the landing site of Guadalcanal, and people from neighboring Malaita island were brought in to populate it. They kept the best jobs for themselves. That too fostered an indigenous rights movement.