Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has presented the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 during a parliamentary session, aligning with the legislative agenda outlined in the recent Opening of Parliament. The Bill will be scheduled for a second reading at a later date, as emphasized by Speaker of Parliament Filimoni Jitoko, who urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to familiarize themselves with its contents ahead of the discussions.
The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, moved a motion to suspend Standing Orders 6(5) and 92, claiming that doing so is essential to allow for amendments to the Constitution. He argued that eliminating these standing orders will not derail the legislative process but rather enable efficient discussions to amend constitutional discrepancies that have been described as undemocratic.
However, the motion faced substantial criticism from Opposition MPs, including Faiyaz Koya, who contended that the action undermines the established constitutional framework. Koya highlighted that while the Constitution allows for amendments, any deviation from the proper procedures threatens its legitimacy. Despite these objections, Speaker Jitoko supported the government’s motion, allowing the parliamentary process to proceed.
Recent developments indicate a fracture within the opposition, as four members—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—defected from the Fiji First party to support the government’s motion, contributing to a vote of 41 in favor and 13 against, with one member abstaining.
This legislative endeavor parallels past discussions surrounding the 2013 Constitution, which has been criticized for centralizing power within the executive. Rabuka’s push for reforms highlights the government’s intention to engage in a more inclusive constitutional framework that better reflects the diverse rights and aspirations of Fijians.
The roadmap ahead remains complex. While the government exhibits significant support, they still lack the four additional votes necessary to achieve the three-quarters majority required for constitutional amendments. Nevertheless, this ongoing parliamentary dialogue offers a hopeful prospect for fostering inclusivity and enhancing democratic representation in governance, emphasizing the importance of civic participation in shaping a future that embodies the collective voice of the Fijian people.
In light of the current discussions, there is optimism that collaborative efforts may lead to a more representative governance structure, which could ultimately strengthen unity within Fiji’s diverse society amid its evolving political landscape.
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