Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has raised concerns regarding the recently proposed Constitution Amendment Bill by the Coalition Government in Fiji, suggesting that Members of Parliament (MPs) should refrain from supporting the bill until they fully understand its implications. The amendment seeks to alter the threshold for passing constitutional changes from a three-quarter (75%) majority to a two-thirds (66%) majority. Chaudhry finds this reduction unacceptable, reminding that the 1997 Constitution explicitly requires a 75% majority for any amendments.
In addition to lowering the vote threshold, the bill also proposes to eliminate the requirement for a referendum to confirm three-quarters support from registered voters before presidential assent can be granted. Chaudhry expressed apprehension regarding potential amendments aimed at undermining the existing guarantees of equal citizenship for all Fijians, as well as provisions that affirm Fiji’s status as a secular state, which are encapsulated in Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution.
Despite acknowledging that certain provisions of the 2013 Constitution may need review to align with principles of good governance, Chaudhry emphasized that any amendment process should be transparent and fully disclose the rationale behind proposed changes. Recent parliamentary votes indicated a lack of support for the bill, as only 41 out of 55 MPs participated in favor, falling short of the necessary 42 votes for passage.
This debate arises amid ongoing discussions in Fiji regarding governance and the enhancement of democratic processes. There have been prior talks about the formation of a Constitution Review Commission aimed at improving civic engagement in the amendment process. Such initiatives hold the potential for a more inclusive approach to governance and could help ensure that modifications to the Constitution truly reflect the interests of all Fijians.
The current legislative momentum reflects a critical moment for civic engagement in Fiji, with hopes for progress toward a more representative constitutional framework that honors the diverse voices and expectations of its populace. By fostering transparent discussions and actively seeking public input, there remains an opportunity to reinforce democratic ideals and unity among the nation’s varied communities.
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