Your Window To Fiji And Beyond.

Illustration of Cabinet gives thumps up to review Chapter 11 of 2013 Constitution

Cabinet Approves Changes to Fiji’s 2013 Constitution: What’s Next?

Spread the love

Fiji’s Cabinet has commenced the review process of the 2013 Constitution, taking a definitive step to address widespread criticism regarding the Constitution’s adoption and various contentious elements contained within it. The Cabinet has approved a Bill aimed at amending Chapter 11, which details the procedures for constitutional amendments.

The process requires that to amend the Constitution, any proposed Bill must receive a three-quarters majority vote in Parliament. After this, a national referendum is necessary, where a similar majority of registered voters must also approve the changes. This dual requirement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting public participation and ensuring that citizen voices are central to governance decisions.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced the establishment of a Constitution Review Commission (CRC) that will facilitate public consultations, engaging the citizens in discussions about potential amendments. This initiative reflects a broader acknowledgment of the public’s concerns, echoing sentiments expressed during the 2022 general elections when many political parties highlighted the need for constitutional reforms.

The review process aligns with the objectives outlined in Fiji’s 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP), which emphasizes the necessity of strengthening legal frameworks to protect citizens’ rights and promote the rule of law. Key goals of the NDP include enhancing judicial independence and ensuring transparency within governmental institutions.

This review of the Constitution not only signifies a hopeful move towards rectifying historical grievances regarding Fiji’s governance structure but also indicates a potential for creating a more inclusive democracy. By actively involving its citizens in this important reform process, the Fijian government aims to foster greater trust, representation, and engagement in its political landscape.

In summary, the initiation of the constitutional review process marks a crucial step towards reinforcing democracy in Fiji. It embodies the government’s responsiveness to public concerns while paving the way for meaningful reforms that could structure a more equitable and participatory future for all Fijians. This initiative is a promising advancement that seeks to ensure that every citizen’s voice matters in shaping the nation’s legal framework.


Comments

Leave a comment

Latest News

Search the website