Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has firmly responded to the call for his resignation made by Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube, emphasizing that only Parliament holds the authority to determine his position. Narube’s call came after the government’s recent attempt to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025 failed to achieve the necessary 75 percent majority, a setback that Narube described as a significant miscalculation on Rabuka’s part.
In his defense, Rabuka explained that he was not misguided in pursuing the amendment and highlighted the need for negotiation to secure parliamentary support. He asserted, “I was encouraged to approach the constitutional issues on a bilateral basis.” Despite the setback, Rabuka expressed commitment to persist in efforts to amend the 2013 Constitution.
The political landscape surrounding this event has been charged, with Narube publicly criticizing Rabuka for what he deemed a major failure of leadership. He stressed that this incident reflects broader issues of accountability within Rabuka’s administration, urging the Prime Minister to take full responsibility instead of deflecting blame. Furthermore, Narube maintained that rather than amending the Constitution through parliamentary processes, the legitimate path should involve a legal challenge to its validity.
This recent tension echoes past discussions around political trust and the integrity of leadership. As Fiji approaches the 2026 elections, Narube’s criticisms bring forth concerns about leadership credibility and the importance of choosing suitable candidates who prioritize genuine public service.
Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo has defended Rabuka’s leadership, labeling Narube’s resignation call as “laughable” and stressing that Rabuka’s mandate, derived from over 77,000 votes compared to Narube’s 6,845, indicates strong public support. Vosarogo further pointed out that the close outcome of the amendment vote—falling just one vote short—illustrates the complexities involved in constitutional reform rather than a failure of leadership.
As Fiji grapples with these political challenges, there remains a hopeful perspective that public engagement and demands for accountability can lead to a more transparent and effective governance model. The significance of citizens’ involvement in shaping their government cannot be overstated, especially in a diverse society like Fiji, where fostering unity and representation is crucial for democratic progression.
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