Opposition MP Sachida Nand has criticized the current 2013 Constitution of Fiji, claiming it was created primarily for the benefit of a single individual and does not adequately represent the aspirations of the Fijian populace. During discussions on the Prime Minister’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, Nand argued that amendments are essential to ensure the Constitution reflects the true needs and desires of the citizens.
He stated that the Constitution should evolve as circumstances require, and that the amendment process must be accessible to all citizens—not just a select group. Nand emphasized that this amendment represents a crucial chance to restore the Constitution to a document that genuinely belongs to the people. He dismissed arguments from the opposition advocating for the Constitution to remain unchanged, calling such claims an affront to democratic principles.
Furthermore, Nand assured the public that the proposed constitutional changes would not infringe upon their rights. He reassured that the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights would remain protected and that equal citizenship, a core principle ensuring fairness under the law, would continue to be upheld.
This discussion aligns with sentiments expressed by other members of Parliament, including independent MPs who have echoed the need for reforms due to concerns that the existing Constitution does not adequately encapsulate the diverse voices within Fiji. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, has similarly argued for a Constitution crafted collaboratively by the people, highlighting past grievances regarding its inception which predominantly involved a limited number of officials.
Critics, including Opposition MP Ketan Lal, have raised alarms about the government’s motivations, suggesting that some proposals may serve to consolidate power rather than support democracy. These points reflect a broader parliamentary concern regarding the direction of governance and the pressing need for inclusive civic engagement in the constitutional process.
As these discussions unfold, there is hope that they will foster greater unity and inclusiveness in Fiji’s governance, potentially leading to a constitutional framework that resonates with the aspirations of all its citizens. This highlights an ongoing commitment to strengthening democracy and ensuring that the individual rights of the populace are at the forefront of governance.
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