Bula
A constitutional law expert has suggested that it is not an option to keep Fiji’s Constitution “as it is.”
Professor Anthony Regan of the Australian National University (ANU) spoke at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar in Nasinu on Thursday. He mentioned that the current government had only come into power “by the skin of its teeth.”
He questioned participants on whether they thought it was acceptable to leave the Constitution unchanged just because the new regime was “fair and thoughtful.”
“That may be true, but every government faces temptations under pressure,” he said. “There’s no guarantee that a good outcome will result in every future election.”
This is the lead on the front page of The Sunday Times for August 4.
Read more about this on Page 3! Cadet pass-out parades were held at Natabua High School and Suva Grammar School on Friday. We have reports and pictures on Pages 8 and 9.
Discovering Fiji
The first prison in Fiji was established in the old port town of Levuka, Ovalau in the second half of the 19th century. It may have begun as a temporary facility for those who disobeyed authority and disturbed the peace in what was primarily a lawless town of heavy rum drinkers and beachcombers.
The first official prison in Fiji was not established until 1874 when the Deed of Cession was signed. Records from The Fiji Times suggest that the first prison was surrounded by an 8-foot wooden fence located across an open square opposite Totoga, the first police station.
Deputy Editor of the Sunday Times, John Kamea, takes us on a journey of discovery!
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Synopsis
Constitutional law expert Professor Anthony Regan believes the Coalition Government came into power “by the skin of its teeth.” Given this, he argues that it is not an option to leave the 2013 Constitution “as it is!”
Professor Regan spoke at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar in Nasinu on Thursday, addressing the topic “Constitutional Change in Fiji: Looking to the Future.” He expressed concerns about the stability of the 2013 constitution.
“Do you leave it as it is now and say it’s too difficult to change? That’s an option,” he said. “And you might say that’s okay because the new regime is fair and thoughtful and will act justly.
“That may be true, but every government faces temptations under pressure.”
He criticized the current electoral system, describing it as designed to keep people in power. The Coalition Government narrowly came to power under this system, which he argued favors certain parties and increases the risk of a less favorable government gaining power in the future.
“And this, he warned, could cause problems in future elections.
“There’s no guarantee a good outcome will occur in every future election. If a government with far less integrity comes to power, it would have the authority to undertake actions like overriding human rights and manipulating accountability institutions.”
He believes the recent Parliamentary remuneration controversy has added complexity to the nation’s challenges. With the current majority in the House, it might be possible to obtain the 75% majority needed to amend the constitution.
He suggested possible reforms, including amending electoral legislation and implementing compulsory voting to increase voter turnout, which could support constitutional changes.
However, he noted that change requires support and a united front. This would involve awareness campaigns to raise understanding and encourage participation in the reform process.
That will involve reaching out to the public and encouraging them to support any efforts for change.
These actions, according to Professor Regan, will likely stimulate discussions on this important topic and encourage the public to consider the importance of their participation.
So, we have a constitution that he considers vulnerable to potential abuse by future governments if left unchanged. Given this, there is a need for careful consideration as we move forward, facing layers of complexities and major challenges ahead.