The chiefs from the Vanua of Ra conducted a peaceful march today to deliver a letter to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, raising their concerns regarding the 2013 Constitution. The march took place at the Provincial Administrator’s office, where Rakiraki Town Council Special Administrators Chair, Peni Duaniwai, confirmed that the demonstration was orderly and expressed the chiefs’ desire for their voices to be heard regarding the constitutional issues.
Duaniwai conveyed that the chiefs are not in agreement with the existing constitution and are advocating for a change. “The demand of the march is that they don’t agree with the 2013 constitution. And they want the vanua’s voice to be heard,” he stated, emphasizing their commitment to following all legal processes in voicing their concerns.
This march aligns with recent discussions within the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), which has similarly highlighted the need for constitutional reform. Chairperson Ratu Viliame Serubakula of the GCC has stressed the importance of revisiting the 2013 Constitution to ensure it adequately reflects the rights and needs of the iTaukei community and to address pressing issues such as governance and social challenges, including violence against women.
Recent assemblies have indicated a growing consensus among Fijian leaders about the necessity of addressing these constitutional inadequacies. The chiefs’ collective actions and calls for revision represent a concerted effort to enhance participatory governance and create a framework that more fairly represents Fiji’s diverse populations.
The unwavering commitment of traditional leadership to advocate for fundamental changes signals hope for a more inclusive future where all voices are acknowledged and valued in Fiji’s governance.
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