Opposition Leader backs constitutional review

Fiji is making history by revising the 2013 Constitution through a peaceful, democratic process for the first time.

This was highlighted by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu in Parliament yesterday as he responded to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s ministerial statement on the Constitution Review Commission (CRC).

Mr Seruiratu said the 1990 and 2013 constitutions were born out of political upheaval and military coups, while the 1970 Constitution was a negotiated and peaceful outcome of independence from Britain.

“Perhaps the good thing out of this exercise is we are going to draft a new supreme law for the country without going through an upheaval, without going through a coup,” he said.

The current review will not replace the 2013 Constitution outright but amend it, following a Supreme Court ruling directing Parliament to undertake the process.

Mr Seruiratu also called for calm amid growing public debate over submissions to the CRC.

This includes those from the Great Council of Chiefs, whose proposals have drawn strong reactions from political parties, civil society groups and rights organisations.

“The Great Council of Chiefs has a right to make submissions. They have a right to be heard. But there are a lot of comments already being made,” he said.

“Let the process take its course.”

He urged all Fijians to respect the right of every individual, group and institution to participate and be heard.

Once consultations conclude, the CRC will prepare a report and draft Constitution Bill to be submitted to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, then to Cabinet, before being referred to Parliament.

The Bill will require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a simple majority in a referendum to pass.