PM avoids media after Bill defeat
Out of the total votes, 40 Members of Parliament (MP) were in favour of the amendment, while 14 opposed it, and one MP chose to abstain.
Wednesday 12 March 2025 | 20:48
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka outside his office on his way to Parliament through the Speaker’s Chamber on March 12, 2025. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has taken an unusual approach by avoiding media interactions in Parliament after the failed attempt to amend the 2013 Constitution.
Government’s push to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 failed to secure the required majority in Parliament, with the Bill falling short by a single vote.
This setback has prompted questions about Rabuka’s silence, as he typically addresses the media after major parliamentary developments.
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On Tuesday evening, the proposed amendment was rejected in Parliament as the Government failed to secure the necessary 75 per cent majority.
Out of the total votes, 40 Members of Parliament (MP) were in favour of the amendment, while 14 opposed it, and one MP chose to abstain.
The Government required 41 votes to move forward with the amendment.
Consequently, the review process will not progress; instead, the Government will seek guidance from the Supreme Court in the upcoming week.
After Tuesday’s vote, officials told the media outside Parliament that Mr Rabuka would speak to them when convenient.
In a different move, Mr Rabuka left through the back of the Speaker’s Chamber in Parliament.
Yesterday’s morning, Mr Rabuka refused to answer questions before entering the morning session of Parliament.
This masthead has made numerous attempts to interview the Prime Minister since the parliamentary vote loss, including doorstopping Mr Rabuka.
When approached once more yesterday at the Speaker’s Chamber, with his official bodyguard forming a protective barrier around him, Mr Rabuka continued to walk away despite the questions posed to him.
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