Fiji’s Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, has expressed concerns about the stringent requirement for three-quarters of registered voters to approve constitutional amendments in referendums. He described this threshold as an extraordinarily high and almost unattainable barrier that undermines the democratic principle of representation.
During a parliamentary statement, he emphasized that while this requirement might appear to guarantee broad public support for constitutional changes, it ultimately acts as an obstacle to genuine democratic participation. Ditoka pointed to the challenges of mobilizing such a significant portion of the electorate, a task made even more daunting in a diverse democracy where voter turnout varies substantially across different communities. He believes that even a strong consensus in Parliament and among general citizens does not guarantee success in meeting this threshold.
These sentiments resonate with ongoing discussions among various lawmakers about the need for a more inclusive and transparent constitutional framework. As articulated by Member of Parliament Sachida Nand and Government MP Lynda Tabuya, the current process is viewed as overly restrictive and undemocratic, limiting the power of the citizenry to influence governance critically. Nand has highlighted the historical backdrop of Fiji’s constitutions, noting that previous iterations have evolved in response to changing political landscapes and societal values, stressing that the processes must better reflect the will of the people.
The dialogue around proposed constitutional reforms indicates a broader political appetite for change. There seems to be a unified hope among political leaders and citizens that the electoral process can become more approachable, enabling a governance structure that encourages civic engagement and comprehensive representation. Despite current challenges, these discussions bring optimism for a future constitutional framework that embodies the values and aspirations of all Fijians, paving the way for enhanced democratic participation and unity in the nation.
Such ongoing dialogues highlight the critical role of lawmakers and the government in shaping a responsive political environment that values the voices of the people, suggesting a positive direction for Fiji’s future political landscape.
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