GCC Demands Review of 2013 Constitution

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has made a bold and unified call for parts of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution to be reviewed, describing it as a major barrier to indigenous rights and national progress.

GCC chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the council was unanimous in its position that parts of the Constitution must go.

“We want this Constitution reviewed,” Ratu Viliame said.

“Every effort to improve the lives of our people runs into this Constitution. It is in the way.”

He added that the document’s introduction was questionable, even suggesting it came “through the back door” and should leave the same way.

The GCC believes the Constitution’s origins are not legal and sees no justification for preserving it.

While acknowledging that Government is currently following legal channels in dealing with constitutional matters, Ratu Viliame made it clear that the council is prepared to push further if necessary.

“We’ll wait to see the outcome of this case. If that works, fine. If not, we’ll take it from there,” he said.

The GCC’s strong stance reignites debate over the legitimacy of the 2013 Constitution, imposed following the 2006 military coup and long criticised by Opposition parties and civil society groups.

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