Fiji’s Constitutional Future: What Changes Are on the Horizon?

Cabinet Minister Mosese Bulitavu has announced the potential establishment of a Constitution Review Commission, aimed at drafting a new Constitution for Fiji. In a recent social media post, Bulitavu clarified that the recently passed Constitution Amendment Bill 2025 aligns the super majority requirements for constitutional amendments—specifically, the necessity of three-quarters approval both from Parliament and registered voters in a referendum—with international democratic standards.

He emphasized that the current changes do not alter key provisions related to equal citizenry or other significant frameworks, stating, “To assume that altering the super majority requirements will lead to changing fundamental principles like equal citizenry is simply playing racial politics and creating unnecessary public worry.”

Bulitavu articulated a practical approach by advocating for the support of the Amendment provisions to be aligned first with democratic standards, following which the proposed Constitution Review Commission would facilitate public consultations. Through this commission, the citizens of Fiji will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on what aspects of the Constitution should remain intact and what may need to be amended.

This initiative connects with the broader constitutional review efforts previously announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who expressed a commitment to address criticisms related to the 2013 Constitution’s adoption. The objective is to enhance public participation in governance, a theme that resonated widely during the 2022 general elections.

By emphasizing public engagement, the proposed constitutional review represents a hopeful step towards fostering a more inclusive and responsive democratic framework for Fiji. This approach not only seeks to rectify past grievances but also aims to pave the way for meaningful and equitable governance in the future, where the voices of all citizens are valued and influential in shaping the nation’s legal landscape.

This commitment to involving the public in constitutional deliberations signifies a promising direction for Fiji’s governance and democracy, inviting a collective vision of what the country can achieve together.