Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has addressed Parliament, criticizing the 2012 draft of the Fiji Constitution, written by Professor Yash Ghai, for inadequately representing the extensive consultations that took place across the nation. He highlighted that the National Council for Building a Better Fiji, established in 2007 following events in 2006, led extensive discussions involving over 1,000 consultations with various communities, organizations, and businesses throughout Fiji.
Seruiratu noted that Professor Ghai arrived in Fiji after being briefed in Australia and that crucial political parties declined to participate in the National Council’s efforts during that tumultuous period. This exclusion, he argued, significantly influenced how the Ghai Report was crafted and ultimately reflected a disconnect between the public’s aspirations captured in prior reports and the final version of the Constitution that emerged in 2013.
This critical reflection is part of a broader discourse in Fiji concerning the suitability of the current constitutional framework, as other political leaders, such as Viliame Naupoto, have also expressed concerns about the 2013 Constitution’s ability to unify the populace, emphasizing the necessity for a more inclusive process for constitutional amendments.
The continuous debate over the Constitution represents a healthy democratic engagement, as various stakeholders stress the importance of inclusive dialogue to foster national unity and effective governance. As Fiji seeks to move forward, there remains hope that comprehensive discussions will lead to a constitutional reform process that truly reflects the diverse voices of its citizens.
Overall, the recognition of these issues and the call for dialogue and reflection on the Constitution mark a significant step toward addressing longstanding concerns and enhancing national cohesion in Fiji.
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