by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, has reportedly confirmed that the Fijian government has initiated preparations to revise the country’s constitution. The 2013 Constitution has faced criticism from political analysts and critics of the previous FijiFirst government, including Rabuka, who viewed it as being “imposed on the people.”
Former leader Frank Bainimarama, who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for misconduct in office, strongly rejected this notion, asserting that the constitution ensures all Fijians have equal rights, voting power, and national identity.
However, Rabuka’s People’s Alliance Party (PAP) claimed in its 2022 election manifesto that the constitution contains restrictions that do not align with international human rights standards. The Prime Minister was quoted in a Fiji Sun report on Monday as saying that the government is preparing to introduce legislation in Parliament to commence the amendment process.
Rabuka expressed concerns about the extraordinary powers granted to the prime minister and attorney-general by the constitution. Fiji has had four constitutions in its history: 1970, 1990, 1997, and 2013.
During a public lecture at the Fiji National University, Australian academic Anthony Regan suggested that the Fijian government could explore legal avenues to amend the 2013 Constitution, highlighting the need for a review. Rabuka welcomed Regan’s remarks, stating that many had been contemplating this issue.
An editorial in The Fiji Times supported Regan’s view that a review of the 2013 Constitution is necessary to prevent potential misuse by future governments. The editorial noted that the constitution’s current form could leave it susceptible to abuse if left unchanged.
