The review of the 2013 Constitution is officially underway. This was announced in the recently launched 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP) by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
The NDP establishes that to enhance the safety, security, and welfare of Fiji and its citizens, there is a necessity to bolster the regulatory and legal framework, alongside improving collaboration among law and order agencies. The plan includes several key initiatives:
– Revising the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
– Promoting the rule of law at both regional and international levels while ensuring that all citizens have equitable access to justice.
– Reviewing all legislation pertaining to law enforcement agencies to enhance transparency and efficiency.
– Ensuring the separation and independence of the three branches of government: the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
– Enhancing the capacity and expertise within the Office of the Attorney-General, especially in legislative drafting, the Law Reform Commission, and the Fiji Intellectual Property Office.
– Addressing unfair discrimination and mitigating arbitrary misuse of broad discretionary laws.
– Implementing safeguards against the misuse of discretionary powers and eliminating clauses that prevent judicial review of administrative decisions made by ministers and public officials.
– Reviewing constitutional processes and advocating for amendments to guarantee the independence of vital institutions, including judicial commissions, the Fijian Elections Office, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and other fiduciary entities.
– Executing the Fiji Protective Security Framework to protect institutions.
– Strengthening collaboration between security and rehabilitation agencies.
– Ensuring public access to information and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in line with national laws and international commitments, as well as providing necessary human resources within institutions.