Fiji’s recent attempt to amend its Constitution through the Amendment Bill has not succeeded, as the necessary support was not achieved in Parliament. The final voting saw 40 members in favor, 14 against, and one abstention, falling short of the required 75 percent majority. Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko confirmed that a quorum of 41 votes is essential for the bill to move forward, marking its defeat.
The proposed amendment aimed to modify the 2013 Constitution, which has been under scrutiny since its implementation. The Constitution specifies that any amendments must follow a process requiring a supermajority, reinforcing the difficulty of making changes. Jitoko highlighted that without obtaining the requisite 41 votes, the amendment cannot advance.
Currently, discussions in Fiji’s political landscape reflect a push for reforms led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He has proposed altering the amendment threshold from a three-quarters majority to a two-thirds majority, intending to streamline the process and foster greater public participation.
Moreover, this ongoing parliamentary dialogue underscores efforts to address concerns about constitutional power distribution, particularly regarding the executive branch. Engaging a diverse range of voices in governance is central to these discussions.
As Fiji continues navigating these legislative challenges, there is a positive outlook that future conversations may pave the way for a more inclusive constitutional framework. Such changes aim to ensure that governance aligns with the aspirations of all Fijians, promoting unity and enhancing democratic representation in the country.
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