Former SDL Government Minister Adi Asenaca Caucau has expressed strong criticism of the 2013 Constitution, describing it as an illegitimate document that does not reflect the will of the Fijian people. Her remarks were made during the Electoral Law Reform Public Consultation, where she highlighted concerns about the constitution’s legitimacy, claiming that only a select few individuals from the previous government were involved in its formulation.
Caucau enumerated three reasons that underpin her assertion of the Constitution’s illegitimacy: firstly, that it fails to embody the people’s will; secondly, that it denotes Fiji as a Secular State instead of a Christian State; and thirdly, that it identifies all citizens simply as “Fijians,” distancing the identity from its Christian roots. She emphasized that this shift undermines Fiji’s historical identity, which many citizens, regardless of their denominations, predominantly associate with Christianity.
Additionally, Caucau lamented the impact of the 2006 coup led by the Bainimarama government, which she likened to having the carpet pulled from under the feet of the Qarase-led Government. She reflected on a time when the government was focused on providing better housing and social welfare benefits to those in need. The sudden coup, she expressed, shattered these plans and left many without direction or support. During this tumultuous period, she recounted being forced to leave Fiji for New Zealand, encouraged by her father due to threats surrounding her safety and the unpredictable political landscape in Fiji.
These statements resonate with broader calls for constitutional reviews in Fiji. For instance, Adi Sivia Qoro, president of Unity Fiji, has also called for a comprehensive review of the 2013 Constitution, critiquing its lack of public engagement during its inception. She points to the negative impacts of previous coups and their long-term consequences on the Fijian social structure and economy.
The sentiments shared by Caucau and Qoro underline a significant moment of introspection and possibility for political engagement within Fiji. As discussions on the constitutional status and the nation’s direction continue, there is a hopeful indication that the citizens of Fiji may actively seek changes that reflect their values and identity moving forward.
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