Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for calm and respect for the rule of law in Fiji following remarks by former Speaker Pita Nacuva, who asserted that the 1997 Constitution remains valid and that he maintains the right to act as President. In his regular column, “A Conversation with the PM,” Rabuka recognized Nacuva’s longstanding service to the nation but clarified that claims associated with the 1997 Constitution lack legal standing today.
Rabuka emphasized that Fiji currently operates under the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji 2013, which serves as the supreme law of the nation. He noted, “The Constitution sets out the legal framework for governance, including the Office of the President and Speaker.” His statements directly addressed Nacuva’s recent public assertions regarding the 1997 Constitution’s legitimacy.
“The time for speculation is over,” Rabuka stated, urging all Fijians to wait for determinations from the Supreme Court regarding these constitutional questions. He called for national unity and adherence to Fiji’s legal framework, encouraging citizens to focus on building stability and respect for the governance that binds them.
Nacuva, who served as Speaker from 2001 to 2006, has been vocal in questioning the legitimacy of the 2013 Constitution, referencing past court rulings and maintaining that the 1997 Constitution was never lawfully abrogated. The ongoing discussions surrounding constitutional validity present a critical point in Fiji’s political dialogue, reflecting the nation’s desire for a stable governance framework.
Such conversations about constitutional reform have gained traction as various legal scholars and political figures engage actively in discussions on how to navigate Fiji’s complex legal and political landscape. This emerging dialogue signals a hopeful trend toward a more transparent and adaptable governance model that seeks to align with the contemporary needs of the Fijian populace.
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