Our Constitution is not a document written only for Parliament, or for the Courts, or the various legal in­stitutions.

It is a document for all Fijians.

It governs and guides our daily lives. It is always with us, some­times in ways that are not obvi­ous.

Under the Fijian Constitution, all Fijians are equal before the law, with equal rights and an equal voice.

It does not differentiate Fijians by ethnicity or religion or socio-economic status or where they live.

All Fijians have a right to edu­cation, to healthcare, to equal justice, to decent housing and basics like clean water.

Our Constitution cares for the poor, the weak, the elderly and the disabled.

Over the years, we have seen our Constitution in action. We have seen how its guiding prin­ciples have helped your Govern­ment translate Fiji’s economic growth and prosperity directly into opportunities for the Fijian people.

We have seen basic services ex­tended to the furthest reaches of our islands.

We have seen a wide range of social protection programmes put in place to protect those who are most vulnerable during these trying times.

We have seen development for every Fijian with networks of roads and infrastructure that rival what you would find in the developed world.

That development – that com­mitment to every Fijian – is what is demanded by our Consti­tution.

Every day, it shapes our lives. Every day, it serves as a guide for those who serve us all. And every day, it makes Fiji a better place to call home

Feedback: shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj