Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has responded to assertions made in Parliament regarding the 2013 Constitution of Fiji, emphasizing that it was not a product of a secretive committee but rather the result of extensive public consultation involving various stakeholders. During the debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill, Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted the foundational role of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF), which facilitated numerous discussions across the nation.
He detailed that the NCBBF was instrumental in fostering dialogue between governmental bodies and civil society organizations. This process led to key recommendations, such as the reduction of the government’s term from five years to four, as well as the establishment of the People’s Charter, which included extensive consultations across Fiji, recording over 1,256 community meetings in villages and settlements alone.
Following this, the Constitutional Commission, chaired by Yash Ghai, conducted further public consultations, which contributed to a draft Constitution. Sayed-Khaiyum argued that widespread feedback from citizens, including opinions from current political figures like Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, was carefully incorporated into this constitutional framework. Changes included reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 and ensuring protections for iTaukei land ownership.
He firmly rejected claims that the constitution was drafted in secrecy by a small group, labeling such narratives as false and unsupported by evidence. Furthermore, he criticized the propaganda that has sought to undermine the constitution’s legitimacy.
This dialogue occurs amid ongoing debates on the inclusivity of the 2013 Constitution, with key figures like Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu calling for a review of the Constitution to ensure it accurately reflects the diverse opinions of the Fijian populace. The discussion is part of a broader movement toward enhancing citizen engagement and fostering an inclusive governance structure that encourages participation from all societal segments.
Such dialogues represent a hopeful direction for Fiji, underscoring the importance of incorporating diverse voices in governance and constitutional processes. As discussions continue, there remains a shared aspiration for a Constitution that truly represents the people of Fiji, promoting unity and understanding moving forward.
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