Call for tougher penalties on coup makers

Fiji should impose the toughest possible constitutional penalties on coup makers to finally break the country's cycle of political takeovers, the Constitution Review Commission was told during consultations in Rakiraki yesterday.

Making his submission on the review of the 2013 Constitution, Pushp Dass said Fiji could not afford to repeat the political instability that had affected the country in the past.

He said stronger constitutional safeguards were needed to protect democracy and ensure governments chosen by the people were allowed to serve their full terms.

Mr Dass proposed that penalties for coup makers be significantly increased and clearly stated in the Constitution as a deterrent against future attempts to seize power unlawfully.

"We have had a number of coups in this country, and to stop this coup culture, I think we should put stringent rules in the Constitution and maximise the penalty for coup makers," he said.

Mr Dass said Fiji's democratic system must be protected and respected, regardless of which political party is in government.

He told the commission that voters elect leaders through the ballot box and any change of government should only happen through elections, not through unconstitutional means.

Mr Dass also raised concerns about the current electoral system, saying some areas were no longer directly represented in Parliament.

He suggested a boundary-based voting system to ensure communities could elect representatives from their own districts.

The Constitution Review Commission is continuing consultations around the country to gather public views on possible amendments to the 2013 Constitution.