Protect Great Council of Chiefs in Constitution, CRC urged

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) should be formally recognised in the Constitution if it is to continue operating with clear authority and legitimacy, the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) was told during consultations on amendments to the 2013 Constitution in Viseisei Village, Lautoka, today.

Viseisei Village headman Inoke Momoedonu made the call during the consultations, questioning why the GCC is able to function despite not being recognised under the 2013 Constitution.

He asked the commission what authority allowed the traditional institution to operate when there was no constitutional provision for it, even though its activities had been approved by the Government.

"This raises important questions about the legal standing of the GCC and whether its role should be protected through constitutional recognition," Mr Momoedonusaid.

Responding to the concern, Commission chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua said the GCC operates under existing legislation, including the iTaukei Affairs Act 1944 and the GCC Act 2024.

He said amendments introduced through the iTaukei Affairs (Amendment) Act No. 25 of 2023 reinstated the GCC and also amended the iTaukei Affairs Act.

The amendment provides for members of the council to be appointed by the President on the advice of the Minister responsible for iTaukei Affairs.

"These laws provide the legal framework for the GCC to carry out its functions despite not being specifically recognised in the Constitution," Mr Valenitabua said.

However, Mr Momoedonu maintained that if the GCC was important enough to operate at a national level, its role and status should be clearly protected in the Constitution.