Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 during a recent parliamentary session, which is part of the legislative agenda initiated at the Opening of Parliament. The Bill will undergo a second reading in the future, as highlighted by Speaker of Parliament Filimoni Jitoko, who encouraged Members of Parliament (MPs) to review its details before further discussions.
The motion to suspend Standing Orders 6(5) and 92 was presented by Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Leader of Government Business, who argued that this suspension is essential for making amendments to the Constitution. Tuisawau asserted that temporarily removing these standing orders would not hinder legislative progress but rather facilitate vital discussions aimed at correcting perceived undemocratic constitutional discrepancies.
Opposition MPs, including Faiyaz Koya, expressed strong criticism of the motion, suggesting that it threatens the established constitutional framework. Koya emphasized that while amendments are permissible under the Constitution, straying from established protocols could jeopardize its validity. In contrast, Speaker Jitoko backed the government’s motion, allowing the legislative process to continue.
Recent political dynamics have indicated a split within the opposition, with four members—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—defecting from the Fiji First party to support the government’s motion. This shift contributed to a significant vote of 41 in favor of the motion, compared to 13 against it, with one member choosing to abstain.
This legislative initiative resonates with earlier discussions around the 2013 Constitution, often critiqued for granting excessive power to the executive branch. Rabuka’s advocacy for constitutional reforms underscores the government’s desire to create a more inclusive framework that accurately represents the diverse rights and aspirations of all Fijians.
The pathway forward appears intricate, as the government still requires four additional votes to secure the three-quarters majority necessary for constitutional amendments. However, the ongoing parliamentary discussions present an optimistic outlook for enhancing inclusivity and democratic representation in Fiji’s governance, reinforcing the value of civic engagement in shaping a future reflective of the collective voice of the Fijian populace.
With each step in this legislative journey, there is hope for collaborative efforts that will foster a more representative governance structure, ultimately promoting unity within Fiji’s diverse society while navigating its evolving political environment.
Leave a comment