Constitution must reflect people's wishes, CRC told

The 2013 Constitution should be replaced because it was introduced without adequate public consultation, the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) heard yesterday.

The submission was made by former civil servant Jope Ramagimagi during a hearing at Sikituru Village in Nadi.

The 75-year-old said the Constitution was introduced during a difficult period in Fiji's history and did not adequately reflect the views of ordinary citizens.

"There was no proper consultation with the people. The next Constitution must be built through consultations so that the voices of ordinary Fijians are heard," Mr Ramagimagi said.

Former civil servant Jope Ramagimagi.

Photo: Rariqi Turner

He urged the commission to ensure that any new Constitution is developed through extensive public consultation.

Mr Ramagimagi said a Constitution should be shaped through open discussion and public participation rather than being imposed from the top down.

He also urged the CRC to recommend a Constitution that reflects the wishes of the people and promotes unity among all communities.

Supporting the continued use of the term "Fijian" for all citizens, Mr Ramagimagi said it had helped strengthen national unity.

He also submitted that churches should remain open and welcoming to people of all races, while individuals should continue to enjoy the freedom to practise their own beliefs.

Mr Ramagimagi said any future Constitution should protect the rights of all citizens and help build a stronger and more united Fiji.

The CRC continues to receive submissions from communities across the country as part of its nationwide review of the Constitution.

The former FijiFirst Government strongly defended and governed under the 2013 Constitution, describing it as the foundation of modern Fijian democracy.

The party maintained that the Constitution established a secular state, eliminated ethnic-based voting and guaranteed socio-economic rights.

The 2013 Constitution also guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment.