The Great Council of Chiefs is calling for a broad-based, inclusive review of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, arguing that it lacks cultural legitimacy and undermines the country’s democratic capacity even as the Supreme Court affirms its continued legal validity.
Chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said unamendable provisions prevent Fijians from adapting the constitutional framework to evolving social needs. He stressed that resilience requires a structure that protects but also allows reform, insisting that a lasting constitution must be rooted in lived values and communal consensus.
Ratu Viliame added that while the GCC respects the Court’s conclusion under the rule of law, the council remains the voice of the iTaukei vanua and the broader Fijian identity. He urged leaders to open pathways for inclusive constitutional review involving chiefs, grassroots communities, civil society, the business sector, women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities and others.
The GCC said the ruling reinforces the 2013 Constitution as Fiji’s supreme law under common law but exposes a deep democratic fissure. This, the chairperson argued, requires a national effort to shape a constitutional future that is legally sound, culturally grounded and responsive to the most vulnerable.
Context and background
– The GCC has repeatedly signaled the need to rethink core elements of the 2013 Constitution, including restoring the traditional authority to appoint Fiji’s President and re-evaluating the so-called “common identity” clause that labels all citizens as “Fijians.”
– Across recent GCC statements, there is a consistent emphasis on better reflecting iTaukei rights and interests, improving local governance in villages, and addressing socio-economic challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, and resource management.
– Previous discussions note concerns about colonial-era laws still affecting resource deals and calls for more inclusive participation in constitutional reform processes.
What this means for Fiji
– The GCC’s stance sets the stage for a prolonged, multi-stakeholder dialogue on constitutional reform, potentially leading to targeted amendments or a broader rethink of the framework that defines national governance and identity.
– It highlights the demand for reforms that reconcile legal structure with cultural realities, and for policies that directly address poverty, violence against women, and resource rights.
Summary
The GCC is pushing for an inclusive constitutional review of Fiji’s 2013 Charter, arguing it lacks cultural legitimacy and hampers democratic adaptability, while acknowledging the Supreme Court’s ruling. The move signals a renewed push for reform that could reshape Fiji’s governance to be more culturally grounded and protective of the vulnerable, through broad-based participation.
Additional comments for editors
– Consider adding perspectives from legal scholars, political analysts, and representatives from civil society to provide balance on feasibility and potential timelines.
– Provide a clear timeline of upcoming consultations or parliamentary steps, if available, to help readers understand the path forward.
– Include regional or international context on indigenous rights and constitutional reform to help readers gauge broader significance.
Note: This article reflects ongoing discussions around Fiji’s constitutional framework and the GCC’s calls for reform while recognizing the current legal status affirmed by the courts.
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