CRC report to be tabled today

The Constitution Review Commission (CRC) report will be tabled in Parliament today at 11.30am, making it public for the first time.

Speaker Filimone Jitoko called the one-day special sitting at the Government's request and it is separate from the regular sitting from September 28 to October 2.

Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya had said the report could not be released before it was tabled.

"It needs to be tabled in Parliament. Then everyone can have their views on it," Ms Tabuya said.

Cabinet has said tabling does not mean it accepts all the recommendations.

Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the report contained recommendations, not final decisions.

CRC chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua revealed some recommendations when the report was handed to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on August 31.

The report was subsequently tabled in Cabinet on September 9.

Key recommendations include:

• The return of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs);
• The return of the Senate as the Upper House of Parliament;
• The return of the Public Service Commission;
• The continued use of "Fijian" as the national identity for now.

The Constitution Amendment Bill and the National Referendum Bill are expected at the September 28 sitting.

Under the Supreme Court's 2025 opinion, an amendment needs the support of two-thirds of all members of Parliament at the second and third readings, followed by approval by a majority of registered voters who vote in a referendum.

With the seat of the late National Federation Party (NFP) MP Agni Deo Singh vacant, Parliament has 54 sitting members.

Civil society groups have raised concern about a plan to have a new Constitution by December 24.

The last date for the writ of elections to be issued is also December 24, and the general election must be held by February 6, 2027.

The election has not yet been called and the writ has not been issued.