Concerns are growing regarding the National Referendum Bill 2025, with critics expressing fears that the legislation may curtail free speech ahead of expected constitutional amendments. Richard Naidu, a well-known lawyer based in Suva, has voiced significant apprehensions about the bill, suggesting that it is being drafted in anticipation of potential changes to the 2013 Constitution.
Naidu questioned the motivations behind the bill’s current drafting, linking it to a Supreme Court ruling from the previous year, which upheld the referendum provision while simultaneously adjusting the thresholds for amendments. He stated, “Let’s call a spade a spade. Why are we drafting this referendum legislation now? We all know why. The Supreme Court last year said very clearly, upheld the referendum provision in the 2013 Constitution.”
He pointed out that if there were to be a new or amended Constitution, it would likely be one of the first matters settled through a referendum process. However, Naidu raised alarms over Clause 22 of the bill, which prohibits newspapers from publishing advertisements, conducting public meetings, or engaging in other forms of expression related to referendum topics. He cautioned that these restrictions could significantly impede free speech, especially at a time when public engagement in political matters is already lacking.
Advocates for transparency and free expression will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding the National Referendum Bill 2025 as debates continue to unfold. The hope is that public discourse will remain vibrant and that any constitutional changes will take into account the voices and concerns of the populace.
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