Despite widespread criticism of its creation and content, the 2013 Constitution is exceptionally difficult to amend.
This observation was made by Fiji National University vice-chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, ahead of tonight’s vice-chancellor’s leadership seminar in Nasinu.
The seminar will feature Professor Anthony James Regan, vice-chancellor of the Australian National University (ANU), who will discuss constitutional change.
Professor Nabobo-Baba highlighted crucial questions regarding Fiji’s constitutional future, primarily whether a document widely viewed as illegitimate could continue to govern Fiji.
“As a nation, we face significant constitutional questions,” she said.
“The discussion will also explore how a constitution so resistant to change can adapt to the nation’s evolving needs.
“With limited avenues for reform, Fiji faces a constitutional dilemma—the imperative for change versus the difficulty of achieving it. This may necessitate considering drastic measures to avoid stagnation.”
Professor Regan will present on the topic “Constitutional Change in Fiji: Looking to the Future.”
He is an academic in constitutional law in the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Bell School, College of Asia and the Pacific at ANU.