SODELPA calls for end to coup immunity in new Constitution

No government should be above the law, SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro told the Constitution Review Commission, as the party called for a new Constitution that permanently outlaws coups, removes immunity for unconstitutional power seizures and strengthens democratic institutions.

Presenting SODELPA's submission, Mr Radrodro said Fiji needed a constitution that would "remove the culture of coup, immunity, strengthen the law and create institutions that no government can easily capture."

The party has proposed that the Constitution prohibit immunity for those involved in coups, treason, torture, serious human rights abuses, corruption and the unlawful seizure of power.

Mr Radrodro said Fiji's constitutional future must be built on accountability and respect for democratic institutions.

"The guiding principle of this mission is simple. Fiji's future cannot be built by erasing history, rewarding unlawful power or centralising authority," he said.

SODELPA also called for the establishment of a National Truth, Reconciliation and Constitutional Accountability Commission to address Fiji's history of political upheaval.

The proposed commission would document institutional failures, recognise victims, recommend reparations and consider conditional amnesty only when truth, accountability and victim participation are achieved.

Mr Radrodro said the military's role must also be clearly defined under civilian democratic control.

He said the Republic of Fiji Military Forces should focus on external defence, maritime security, peacekeeping, disaster response and national resilience.

"The role of RFMF must be reinvigorated, enhanced and financially supported to secure its role in nation-building, strategic defence, youth development, security, border protection and crisis response," he said.

SODELPA also wants stronger independent institutions, including the judiciary, Electoral Commission, Auditor-General, Human Rights Commission and anti-corruption bodies.

Mr Radrodro said Fiji needed institutions strong enough to survive changes in government.

"A legitimate constitution must be more than a legal text. It must be a national settlement," he said.