Two-term limit for PM, 15-member Cabinet proposed

Dialogue Fiji has proposed sweeping constitutional reforms, including a two-term limit for future prime ministers, arguing that Fiji must prevent excessive concentration of executive power.

In its submission to the Constitution Review Commission, the organisation proposed that no individual should be allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than two parliamentary terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive.

It also proposed capping Cabinet at 15 ministers, lowering the electoral threshold from five per cent to two per cent, strengthening judicial independence and restoring Opposition leadership of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee.

Dialogue Fiji said constitutional reform should focus on limiting executive authority while strengthening independent institutions, accountability and democratic oversight.

The organisation argued that Fiji needed a Constitution that limited power rather than simply transferring power from one political group to another.

It also proposed the strengtheing of judicial independence.

"Under the 2013 Constitution, the Prime Minister advises the President on the appointment of the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal after consulting only the Attorney-General," the submission noted.

"There is no requirement to consult the Leader of the Opposition. This is inadequate. The appointment of the Chief Justice should be made through an independent COC or a strengthened Judicial Service Commission, with public advertisement, transparent criteria, merit-based assessment and cross-party consultation."