Talks still open on Constitution Bill, says Kamikamica

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says dialogue remains open as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka prepares to approach Opposition MPs for the votes needed to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill.

Mr Kamikamica, who is also People's Alliance deputy party leader, said the Government still had time for discussions.

“Those of us that have worked with the Prime Minister know that he listens carefully,” he said. “The dialogue is still open.”

Mr Kamikamica said there was “a lot of work going on in the background” and he was hopeful Opposition members would understand the Government's position.

He said anyone with concerns about specific issues should meet with the Prime Minister and the committee. “There’s another three weeks,” he said.

Mr Kamikamica said the Bill retained every right provided for under the 2013 Constitution, including the Fijian common name, equal citizenry, the Bill of Rights, protection of freehold land and a secular state.

“If people are honest and read the document carefully, it’s a very decent document,” he said.

The Government needs 35 votes in the 53-member Parliament, representing a two-thirds majority of sitting MPs.

With the G11 but without its coalition partners, Mr Rabuka has 31 votes, leaving the Government four short of the required number.

SODELPA, which has three MPs, and the National Federation Party (NFP), with four MPs, have both said they will not support the Bill.

Speculation over Opposition MPs

Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu told Parliament on Monday that no decisions had been made.

He said there was speculation on social media, including claims that Opposition MPs had been offered diplomatic positions.

“This is not helping us in the way forward,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“We come with a very open mind when we are approaching this because this is about Fiji.”