Permanent exile proposed for anyone who overthrows elected government

Fiji should draw a hard line against coups by permanently banishing from the country anyone who attempts to remove a democratically elected Government.

The proposal was among several constitutional changes put forward by Nakoroivau Village headman Eseroma Kuruwale during a Constitution Review Commission (CRC) consultation at Ovea Village Hall yesterday on the review of the 2013 Constitutions.

Mr Kuruwale said Fiji’s history has shown the damage caused when an elected Government is overthrown.

He suggested that the next Constitution must include stronger safeguards to protect democracy.

Provisions relating to emergency powers should be reviewed because such powers have previously been used during periods of political instability.

“To deter future attempts to seize power unlawfully, we proposed strict constitutional penalties, including permanent exile for those involved in carrying out a coup.” Mr Kuruwale said.

The recommendation formed part of a broader submission aimed at reshaping key areas of the 2013 Constitution.

In proposing that the Office of the Attorney-General be separated from politics and returned to its traditional role as an independent legal adviser he said this would strengthen the separation of powers between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

While calling for significant reforms, he said the transition to any new Constitution should be carefully managed to ensure that no existing rights, protections or state institutions are weakened. The CRCs consultation will continue at Vuci Village Hall in Rewa.