The Fijian Parliament faced a significant shift recently, as four members from the opposition party, Fiji First, broke ranks to support a motion facilitating the change of the 2013 Constitution. This marked another challenge for the Fiji First group, which has 16 members in Parliament. The four defectors—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—voted alongside the government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, allowing for the introduction of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The motion received overwhelming support with 41 votes in favor, 13 against, and one abstention. This initial vote comes as the Prime Minister prepares for a second reading and debate on the Bill in Parliament, attempting to secure a legislative path for constitutional reforms.
Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that the current government, now holding nearly 70 percent of the parliamentary vote following the inclusion of the Group of Nine (G9), still falls four votes short of the required majority to amend the Constitution. Achieving this three-quarters majority, which amounts to 42 votes in total, remains a formidable task amid ongoing discussions about the Constitution’s provisions, especially regarding the concentration of power in the executive branch.
The recent developments underscore the contentious political landscape in Fiji, as the opposition, known as the Group of 16, plays a pivotal role in maintaining governmental accountability. Rabuka’s administration expresses a commitment to engaging with various stakeholders to ensure the Constitution reflects the diverse composition and needs of the Fijian populace.
This ongoing dialogue for constitutional reform serves as a hopeful opportunity for inclusivity and democratic representation, as it aims to unify the aspirations of all Fijians while navigating the complex dynamics within the Parliament. Encouraging civic participation and active engagement in the process could potentially lead to a stronger, more unified nation.
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