The review of the 2013 Constitution of Fiji has been officially approved as part of the 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP), which was introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica yesterday.
The NDP emphasizes the importance of enhancing regulatory and legal frameworks, as well as collaboration among law and order agencies, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Fiji and its citizens. Key initiatives identified in the plan include:
– Reviewing the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
– Promoting the rule of law at both regional and international levels while ensuring all individuals have equal access to justice.
– Evaluating all laws governing law enforcement agencies to enhance transparency and efficiency.
– Maintaining a separation of powers across the three branches of Government: the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
– Bolstering the capabilities and expertise of the Office of the Attorney-General, particularly its legislative drafting division, the Law Reform Commission, and the Fiji Intellectual Property Office.
– Eliminating unfair discrimination and addressing the arbitrary misuse of broad discretionary powers within the law.
– Introducing safeguards against the misuse of discretionary authority and removing restrictions that prevent judicial review of administrative decisions made by Ministers and public officials.
– Assessing all constitutional procedures and pursuing amendments to ensure the independence of vital institutions, including judicial commissions, the Fijian Elections Office, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and other fiduciary bodies.
– Executing the Fiji Protective Security Framework to secure institutions.
– Enhancing cooperation among security and rehabilitation organizations.
– Guaranteeing public access to information and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in alignment with national laws and international treaties, as well as ensuring adequate staffing within institutions.