The Fijian government is gearing up to present the Referendum Bill to Parliament in December, as confirmed by Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga. Mr. Turaga stated, “We will get the Referendum Bill in December,” highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing constitutional matters.
In the current parliamentary session expected to conclude on Friday, the Constitutional Amendment Bill will not be introduced, a decision that Mr. Turaga explained was due to the ongoing work of a Cabinet subcommittee led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. This subcommittee is comprised of key members, including leaders from the coalition parties, the Lands Minister, and the Information Minister, reflecting a robust legal background within the group. “We are going to anticipate vigorous meetings starting from today. Then we will thrash out with other members,” Mr. Turaga noted, indicating the complexity of the discussions ahead.
Regarding future legislative initiatives, Mr. Turaga mentioned preparations for the establishment of a Constitution Review Committee, with the appointment already part of a Cabinet decision pending announcement. He emphasized the importance of achieving consensus on this committee’s formation and its terms of reference.
Initial plans for the committee’s establishment were postponed to await a Supreme Court decision, underscoring the government’s careful approach to constitutional reforms. Mr. Turaga expressed optimism that the committee’s progress would resume in the coming weeks, indicating the ongoing discussions held by the Cabinet subcommittee.
This recent push for constitutional reform comes in the wake of the Supreme Court clarifying the amendment process for Fiji’s 2013 Constitution. The court ruling stipulates that proposed amendments must go through parliamentary approval followed by a national referendum, ensuring that changes are backed by both legislative and public support.
With this framework in place, Fiji could witness a significant period of constitutional evolution. Engaging in a more inclusive and representative governance structure aligns with the aspirations of the Fijian populace, signaling a hopeful trajectory towards greater democratic participation. The forthcoming discussions around the Referendum Bill and the Constitution Review Committee are critical steps in meeting the diverse needs of the country’s citizens and fostering a political environment conducive to cooperation and reform.
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