CRC rejects claims review is being rushed

The Fiji Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) remains on track to deliver its report, recommendations and draft amended Constitution by September 1, despite criticism that the review process is being rushed ahead of the next General Election.

CRC chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua dismissed claims by some politicians that the review was being fast-tracked for political purposes.

Mr Valenitabua said the commission had been working within the six-month timeframe set when commissioners were sworn in three months ago.

"Our timeline was six months, and that six months is due to expire on August 31. This commission, the Constitutional Review Commission, has been working according to that timeline," he said.

After a month of public consultations around the country, Mr Valenitabua said the commission would not be distracted by criticism.

"We set aside the first two months for preparations and the next two months for consultations around the country. The final two months are for writing our report, recommendations and the draft amended Constitution. That is the schedule we have been trying to comply with.

"Maybe the politicians know something, I don't know. It doesn't affect the work being conducted by the commission.

"By August 31, my team knows, my commissioners know, that by September 1 we will hand in our recommendations, our report and the draft Constitution."

The commission's final public consultation will be held in Rotuma next week before work begins on drafting its final report and recommendations.