CRC hears proposal to restore Senate, reform Parliament

A submission calling for the return of Fiji's Senate and sweeping constitutional reforms was presented to the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) during public consultations in Navua yesterday.

Navua District Advisory Council chairman Bimal Prasad told commissioners that restoring the Senate would help protect community rights, improve representation and rebuild public confidence in Fiji's democratic system.

Submission

His proposal called for the reintroduction of the Senate, which was abolished under the 2013 Constitution.

The submission also proposed wide-ranging constitutional reforms, including the return of a bicameral Parliament, stronger protections for indigenous communities, other ethnic groups and workers, electoral reforms, greater judicial independence and the removal of laws he described as "draconian" under the 2013 constitutional framework.

Mr Prasad argued that many rights guaranteed under the 2013 Constitution exist largely on paper.

He said restrictions and limitations have made it difficult for people to fully exercise those freedoms in practice.

"We need rights that people can actually use, not rights that simply look good in the Constitution," he said.

"The Senate played an important role in Fiji's political history by providing an additional layer of oversight and ensuring that the voices of traditional leaders, minority groups, women and experienced citizens were heard in the legislative process.

"It was created to protect important rights and provide guidance to the nation. We need that safeguard back."

Mr Prasad said many people felt disconnected from the political system and had lost confidence in institutions that were once designed to protect them.

Mixed Member Proportional system

He also proposed a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system similar to those used in New Zealand and South Africa, combining constituency-based representatives with party-list members.

Under the proposal, Fiji would have a 75-member House of Representatives, with 50 members elected from constituencies and 25 elected through party lists.

Mr Prasad also supported the return of a multi-party Cabinet, saying governments should better reflect Fiji's multi-ethnic population.

"It is not healthy for one community to dominate Government while another dominates the opposition.

"We need systems that encourage cooperation, inclusion and national unity," he said.

The CRC was urged to consider a new constitutional framework that would strengthen democracy, restore public trust and better reflect Fiji's diverse society.

The commission is continuing consultations around the country as it gathers public views on possible changes to the 2013 Constitution.