Constitution should serve people, not politics

A villager from Cicia Island has questioned the level of political influence in Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, saying the country’s supreme law should serve ordinary citizens rather than political interests.

The concerns were raised during a Constitution Review Commission consultation held in Tarukua Village last Thursday.

Villager Apisalome Vayakai Dakai questioned why the term “Attorney-General” appears nearly 60 times in the Constitution.

“The Constitution should be for the people, not for political interference or influence,” Mr Dakai told commissioners.

“When one political title is repeated so many times, people begin to question whether the system is truly balanced.”

He said the Constitution should focus on protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms while ensuring institutions remained independent and fair.

“We need a Constitution that gives confidence to the people,” he said. “It should not appear to place too much power or influence in one area of government.”

His comments reflected broader concerns raised during the nationwide constitutional review process, where some citizens have questioned whether Fiji’s current legal framework provides enough separation between politics and independent institutions.

The consultation in Cicia also highlighted growing public engagement in the constitutional review process, particularly in rural and maritime communities where residents rarely have opportunities to directly raise concerns about national governance.

As consultations continue across the country, calls for a Constitution that prioritises the people over politics are expected to remain a major issue in public discussions on Fiji’s democratic future.