Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has voiced significant concerns regarding the Coalition Government’s recently introduced Constitution Amendment Bill in Fiji. He urges Members of Parliament (MPs) to carefully consider the implications of the bill before offering their support. One of the key proposals within the bill is to lower the required threshold for constitutional amendments from a three-quarter (75%) majority to a two-thirds (66%) majority. Chaudhry called this reduction unacceptable, stressing that the 1997 Constitution mandates a 75% majority for amendments.
The bill also seeks to remove the necessity for a referendum to secure three-quarters support from registered voters before a president can give assent. Chaudhry worries this change could lead to amendments that undermine the established rights of equal citizenship for all Fijians, as well as provisions that secure Fiji’s status as a secular state, which are highlighted in Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution.
While Chaudhry acknowledges that certain aspects of the 2013 Constitution may merit review to enhance governance principles, he insists that any amending process should be transparent and thoroughly articulate the reasons for proposed changes. The recent parliamentary sessions showed a lack of consensus on the bill, with only 41 out of 55 MPs voting in favor, falling short of the required 42 votes.
This discussion emerges amidst broader conversations about governance in Fiji and the necessity to improve democratic processes. Earlier initiatives hinted at establishing a Constitution Review Commission aimed at boosting civic participation in the amendment process. Such endeavors could pave the way for more inclusive governance and ensure that any constitutional changes reflect the collective interests of all Fijians.
The current legislative developments mark a pivotal period for civic engagement in Fiji, with hopes for progress toward a constitutional framework that genuinely represents the diverse voices of its citizens. By encouraging open discussions and soliciting public feedback, there exists a promising opportunity to fortify democratic values and foster unity across the nation’s multifaceted communities.
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