Fiji’s Supreme Court is moving toward a ruling on the interpretation of the 2013 Constitution’s amendment provisions, with Chief Justice Salesi Temo saying the decision will be delivered as soon as possible after a week of hearings. He stressed the importance of public awareness, noting that broad media coverage helps keep the proceedings in the public record for scrutiny and transparency.
The hearings, which were originally slated to run from August 18 to 22 to allow all interveners to present submissions, were completed in three days. The advisory opinion is set to address how amendments to the constitution should be approached under the 2013 framework, focusing on the processes and thresholds required for constitutional change.
The case centers on the amendment provisions of the 2013 Constitution, and the Cabinet has referred these questions to the Supreme Court for interpretation. A broad array of interveners—representing political parties, the State and civil society—participated in the proceedings, contributing written and oral submissions as part of Fiji’s ongoing constitutional reform discussions.
As the court proceeds, there is renewed optimism that the ruling will provide clearer legal guidance on amendment thresholds and the proper interpretation of constitutional change, fostering greater transparency and public trust in Fiji’s democratic institutions. The outcome could shape how future reforms are considered and implemented, balancing stability with the will of the people.
What to watch next: the timetable for delivering the judgment and how its interpretation of the 2013 Constitution’s amendment provisions may influence ongoing constitutional reform efforts and the broader governance framework in Fiji.
Value-added note: Readers may benefit from tracking the court’s reasoning on amendment thresholds and how it interacts with past constitutional instruments, as this could offer deeper insights into Fiji’s evolving constitutional landscape and its implications for lawmakers, civil society, and the public. Positive spin: this process reflects a proactive, participatory approach to governance that aims to strengthen democratic legitimacy through clearer, more accessible constitutional rules.
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