Chaudhry Sounds Alarm on Fiji’s Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed strong opposition to the recently introduced Constitution Amendment Bill in the Fijian Parliament. He asserts that members of parliament (MPs) should not endorse the bill without fully understanding its implications. The legislation, proposed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, aims to reduce the threshold for passing constitutional changes from a three-quarter (75%) majority to a two-thirds (66%) majority.

Chaudhry described this proposed reduction as unacceptable, reminding that the 1997 Constitution mandates a 75% vote for any amendments. He raised alarms about the bill’s elimination of the requirement for a referendum to secure three-quarters support from registered voters for presidential assent, indicating fears that such moves could undermine protections for equal citizenship and the secular status of Fiji, which are essential for minority communities.

The former Prime Minister highlighted that although there are provisions in the earlier 2013 Constitution that may warrant review, transparency in the amendment process is crucial. He pointed out that the recent parliamentary vote to advance the bill was insufficient; only 41 out of 55 MPs backed it, falling short of the 42 votes necessary for passage.

This constitutional amendment initiative arrives amid ongoing discussions in the Fijian Parliament about governance and democratic procedures. Previous discussions have revealed a consensus on the need for enhanced public consultation and transparency in legislative processes. Additionally, the government has announced plans to establish a Constitution Review Commission, which aims to improve civic engagement, reflecting a positive potential for a more inclusive approach to governance.

The unfolding debates represent a pivotal opportunity for improved governance in Fiji. There is hope that these discussions on constitutional reforms may lead to a framework that better represents the diverse interests and aspirations of all Fijians, promoting democratic principles and unity among the country’s varied communities.