Fiji’s Constitutional Ambitions Hit a Roadblock: What’s Next?

Fiji’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 faced a significant setback last night as it was defeated in Parliament due to failing to secure the necessary support for a constitutional amendment. The voting results showed that 40 members voted in favor of the bill, while 14 opposed it and one abstained. Speaker of the House Filimone Jitoko confirmed that the bill did not meet the required three-quarters majority of 41 votes, as mandated by the Standing Orders.

Mr. Jitoko emphasized the importance of adhering to legislative procedures, stating, “Decisions must be determined by a majority of votes from members present and voting,” which means without achieving a minimum of 41 votes, the bill cannot progress. The defeat maintains the existing stringent voting requirement for constitutional amendments, which critics argue makes changes nearly impossible.

Government officials had proposed to lower the threshold from three-quarters to two-thirds, arguing this would facilitate a more flexible and democratic amendment process. This proposal has emerged as part of broader discussions around the 2013 Constitution, which many perceive as undemocratic in its current form.

Despite this setback, there is a prevailing sentiment among politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, that efforts for reform will persist. They view the defeat as a temporary obstacle, reinforcing their commitment to engaging citizens in discussions about creating a more inclusive constitutional framework that better reflects the will of the Fijian people.

The current political discourse has underscored the importance of civic engagement and dialogue in democracy, signaling a hopeful pathway towards potential reforms that may lead to a governance structure that resonates with the diverse aspirations of all Fijians. Political leaders are focused on fostering unity and inclusively involve provisions in the Constitution that empower citizens, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening democratic principles in Fiji’s future.