Immunity clause repeal a 'big ask': Valenitabua

Fiji Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua says removing the Constitution's immunity clause remains a difficult proposition despite growing public calls for its repeal, citing the Supreme Court's position on the issue.

The immunity clause, contained in Chapter 10 of the 2013 Constitution, protects certain individuals and institutions from legal action over their involvement in political events linked to the 2006 coup and the Government that followed.

Mr Valenitabua said that, at this stage, the CRC could only consider the submissions it had received.

"There is a general call for the immunity clause to be removed from the Constitution.

"Now, that is a big ask at this point in time because the Supreme Court has stated its view on that, and it is not going to be easy.

"So, the commission's stance at this point in time is that we will wait and see. When we undertake our deliberations within the next two months, then we will address all this," he said.

Mr Valenitabua said there was still a lengthy process to follow over the next two months.

"I cannot be saying things in advance before we sit down as a commission with our constitutional lawyer and legal drafter and discuss all these matters."

He added that not all submissions would be considered, as the commission would have to work within the framework of the Constitution.