Adi Sivia Qoro, consultant and president of Unity Fiji, has urged for a comprehensive and authentic review of the 2013 Constitution. Her primary concern centers around the origins of the Constitution, particularly the dismissal of the initial draft produced by Yash Ghai’s Constitution Commission by the previous government. Instead, this government implemented their own version, which was enacted in September 2013.
Adi Sivia argues that the process was fundamentally flawed, lacking genuine involvement from the Fijian populace. She believes the limited consultation period failed to accurately capture public sentiment, raising doubts about whose interests the Constitution genuinely represents.
Additionally, she highlighted the detrimental impact of past coups in Fiji, stating these events have harmed the country’s democracy, societal framework, and economic status. She cautioned that these factors have significantly hindered national progress and asserted that a defective constitution cannot remedy these issues.
“It brings into question the credibility of the nation’s democracy, the negative social implications we are now witnessing, and the economic welfare of our people,” she stated. “Above all, it sets the country back many years in its development.”
Regarding constitutional amendments, she noted that the amendment provisions within the Constitution render it one of the most challenging to modify globally. “Many have pointed this out! This has significant implications for the democratic rights of the citizens and their involvement in the creation of their Constitution. It is crucial for citizens to discuss this openly and find a way forward,” Adi Sivia concluded.