The review of the 2013 Constitution is set to proceed, as announced in the newly launched 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP) by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
The NDP emphasizes the need to enhance Fiji’s safety, security, and overall wellbeing by strengthening the regulatory and legal frameworks, as well as fostering collaboration among law and order agencies. Key points from the plan include:
– Revising the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
– Promoting the rule of law both regionally and internationally, ensuring equal access to justice for everyone.
– Evaluating all laws affecting law enforcement agencies to improve transparency and efficiency.
– Ensuring the separation and independence of the three branches of government: the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
– Enhancing the capabilities within the Office of the Attorney-General, including legislative drafting, the Law Reform Commission, and the Fiji Intellectual Property Office.
– Eliminating unfair discrimination and reducing arbitrary abuses stemming from broad discretionary laws.
– Introducing safeguards to prevent abuses of discretionary powers and eliminating provisions that limit judicial review of such powers granted to ministers and public officials.
– Reviewing constitutional procedures to seek amendments that guarantee the independence of essential institutions like judicial commissions, the Fijian Elections Office, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and other fiduciary bodies.
– Implementing the Fiji Protective Security Framework to protect institutions.
– Strengthening cooperation among security and rehabilitation agencies.
– Ensuring public access to information and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in line with national laws and international commitments, while also addressing human resource needs within institutions.