The review of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution is officially set to proceed. This initiative was announced in the 2025-2029 National Development Plan (NDP) introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
The NDP emphasizes the importance of enhancing the regulatory and legal framework for the safety, security, and wellbeing of Fiji and its citizens. The plan includes several key actions such as:
– Revisiting the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
– Promoting the rule of law both regionally and internationally, ensuring equal access to justice for everyone.
– Reviewing legislation affecting law enforcement agencies to enhance transparency and efficiency.
– Maintaining the separation and independence of the three branches of government: the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
– Bolstering the capacity and expertise of the Office of the Attorney-General, including its legislative drafting division, the Law Reform Commission, and the Fiji Intellectual Property Office.
– Addressing unfair discrimination and limiting the arbitrary misuse of broadly applied laws.
– Adding protections against abuse of discretionary powers, while eliminating clauses that limit judicial review of such powers assigned to Ministers and public officials.
– Assessing all constitutional procedures to ensure the independence of vital institutions like the judicial commissions, the Fijian Elections Office, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and other fiduciary entities.
– Implementing the Fiji Protective Security Framework to protect institutions.
– Enhancing coordination between security and rehabilitation agencies.
– Ensuring public access to information while safeguarding fundamental freedoms in line with national laws and international agreements, and providing sufficient human resources within institutions.