The people of Lau are calling for the abolition of the 2013 Constitution during consultations with the Fiji Law Reform Commission. The chairman of the Lau Provincial Council, Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the Constitution is illegitimate because it was adopted without the necessary support from parliamentarians, not receiving a 75 percent vote. He emphasized that it was essentially forced upon the Fijian population without proper consideration of their opinions or input.
This discontent aligns with broader sentiments shared by other political figures in Fiji, such as former SDL Government Minister Adi Asenaca Caucau and Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube. Caucau has noted the Constitution’s failure to embody the people’s will and has criticized its design as excluding necessary public engagement. Narube plans to legally challenge the Constitution’s legitimacy, arguing it must be amended for any electoral reforms to be effective, as the current system, including the D’Hondt electoral system, has been deemed unfair.
Promisingly, discussions regarding the establishment of a Constitution Review Commission have emerged, indicated by multiple political leaders advocating for a revision of the constitutional framework. There is a hopeful outlook that these dialogues could lead to reforms that genuinely address the voices and needs of the Fijian people, creating an environment for more representative governance.
As Fiji navigates this period of potential change, there is optimism that a renewed commitment to constitutional dialogue will foster a more democratic and inclusive approach to governance, ultimately aligning with the public’s aspirations and enhancing the country’s political landscape.
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