2013 Constitution not people’s choice: Kamikamica

iji’s 2013 Constitution is again under challenge, with claims it was never the people’s choice.

Speaking at a public consultation on constitutional reform at Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus last Friday, former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said the country must confront how the current Constitution was introduced.

“A constitution must reflect the hopes and values of its people. It must not be imposed. It must be chosen,” Mr Kamikamica said.

Mr Kamikamica told the audience the 2013 Constitution lacks legitimacy because it was introduced under an unelected regime without broad public consultation.

He said this had created a gap between the law and the people it is meant to serve.

“The 2013 Constitution was never truly chosen by the people of Fiji,” he said.

He stressed that reviewing the Constitution is not about removing rights, but strengthening them.

“This is an opportunity for the people to reclaim their voice,” he said.

Mr Kamikamica also pointed to what he described as a “democratic deficit” in the current system, saying key principles such as judicial independence and separation of powers needed to be restored.

He said the Constitution should serve as a tool for unity and progress, not control.

“It must be an instrument of unity, not division of empowerment, not control,” he added.

The MP is calling for greater public participation, particularly from young people, saying the next Constitution will shape their future.

“We must encourage every citizen to have a say, that is critical,” he said.

The constitutional review process is expected to gather public views before final recommendations are made.

Mr Kamikamica said Fiji now has an opportunity to correct the past and build a Constitution that reflects the will of its people.

“The time has come to build a Constitution by the people, for the people.”