Koroi calls for restoration of traditional leadership

There are growing calls for the return of the Senate and restoration of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC).

Theye were among submissions presented during ongoing Constitution Review Commission (CRC) consultations in Lomaiviti Province.

The CRC consultations yesterday with Nasau, Koro villagers called for the restoration of traditional leadership and revival of iTaukei institutions.

Many villagers believe that once these are protected the voice of indigenous communities will be stronger.

Netani Koroi urged the CRC to bring back the Senate and reinstate the authority of the GCC.

He said Fiji had lost an important pillar of guidance and representation.

“Bring back the Senate and restore the power of the GCC,” Mr Koroi told commissioners during the public consultation.

He said traditional leadership structures once played a vital role in maintaining unity, safeguarding indigenous interests and ensuring that village voices were heard at the national level.

Speaking before community members gathered in the village hall, Mr Koroi said many people in rural communities still looked to chiefs for leadership and stability.

“The GCC is not just a symbol,” he said. “It is the voice of the people and the protector of our traditions,” he said.

“We need our traditional leaders to have a stronger voice again because they understand the people and our customs. The GCC can unify the people.

“It protected our identity and made sure the voices of villagers are heard.”

He also said the Senate was important because it gave better balance in decision-making.

“The Senate gave another level of discussion before laws were passed,” Mr Koroi said.

Villagers who attended the session raised concerns about representation, cultural identity and the role traditional institutions should play in modern Fiji.

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