President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalu emphasized the need for a solid constitutional foundation in Fiji, pointing out the country’s four constitutions – established in 1970, 1990, 1997, and 2013 – which reflect a persistent struggle to create a framework that resonates with all Fijians. Speaking at the two-day 27th Attorney-General’s Conference in Nadi, he urged the nation to learn from past political disruptions that have impacted its stability.
Ratu Naiqama posed a thought-provoking question to attendees: “Are we merely managing the present, or are we actively building a Fiji that our children will one day be proud to inherit?” He characterized the conference as an opportunity for introspection and strategic evaluation of the challenges confronting the country.
Central to his address was the notion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he described as a platform for dialogue, healing, and rebuilding the nation. He highlighted the imperative of getting it right for future generations, stressing the comprehensive and strategic nature of the conference’s program to tackle present challenges effectively.
The software of the electoral system and national institutions was a primary focus, with the first session dedicated to examining the fundamentals of democratic legitimacy. Ratu Naiqama noted the Supreme Court’s recent advisory opinion, which clarified the amendment process for the 2013 Constitution. This clarity, he argued, opens a significant pathway for constitutional reform that adheres to lawful and transparent procedures.
He concluded by underscoring that any reform must stem from the people themselves, advocating for an open, inclusive dialogue that recognizes the sovereignty of the populace. This approach not only promotes healing but also lays a hopeful groundwork for a more unified and prosperous Fiji.
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