Review of 2013 Constitution A Go

The review the 2013 Constitution is a go!

This was stipulated in the 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP) launched by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica yesterday.

The NDP outlined that to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of Fiji and all Fijians there was a need to strengthen regulatory and legal framework and collaboration within law and-order agencies. This includes:

•  Review the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
•  Promote rule of law at regional and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
•  Review all legislation on all law enforcement agencies to ensure transparency and efficiency.
•  Ensure separation and independence of the three arms of Government – the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary.
•  Strengthening the capacity and expertise within the Office of the Attorney-General, including its legislative drafting division, the Law Reform Commission and the Fiji Intellectual  Property Office.
•  Remove unfair discrimination and curtail arbitrary abuse of wide discretionary application of laws.
•  Insert safeguards against abuse of discretionary powers and remove provisions that prohibit judicial review of administrative discretionary powers bestowed to Ministers and public officers.
•  Review all constitutional procedures and seek amendment to ensure independence of crucial institutions such as the judicial commissions, Fijian Elections Office, the Reserve Bank of Fiji and other fiduciary institutions.
•  Implement the Fiji Protective Security Framework to safeguard institutions.
•  Strengthen coordination among security and rehabilitation agencies.
•  Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. Allocate adequate human resource needs within institutions.

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