‘Let the People vote for President’

Who should choose Fiji’s President, politicians or the people?

That question took centre stage duringa recent constitutional reform discussion at Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus, as former Attorney-General Graham Leung called for a major shift on how the country selects its Head of State.

Mr Leung said it was time to take the power out of Parliament’s hands and be given back to ordinary Fijians.

“I think a better way of choosing the President is by popular vote of the people,” Mr Leung said on Friday.

Under the current system, the President is elected by Parliament.

Mr Leung argues that it risks pulling the role into politics, something he believes should never happen.

“The President is the symbol of national unity. He or she must be above politics,” he said.

Mr Leung said a directly elected President would better reflect the will of the people and strengthen public trust in the country’s highest office.

He acknowledged Fiji’s demographics mean an iTaukei candidate would likely win most national votes; he saidd that should not be feared.

Beyond elections, Mr Leung also raised concerns about how presidential powers are handled when the office is vacant.

He questioned the current arrangement where the Chief Justice steps in as Acting President, warning that it blurs the line between the judiciary and the executive.

“That really mixes two arms of Government, and that is not healthy in a democracy,” he said.

Mr Leung stressed that any reform must protect the independence of key institutions while ensuring leaders remain accountable.

As Fiji moves towards constitution reform discussions, the debate over who chooses the President is shaping up to be one of the most important questions on the table. “Constitution must evolve with the people it serves,” he said.