Fiji’s Constitution Amendment Bill has fallen short of the necessary support, as it did not achieve the required 75 percent majority in Parliament. The final vote count ended with 40 members voting in favor, 14 against, and one abstention. Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko clarified that a quorum of 41 votes is necessary for the bill to proceed, meaning that the amendment has officially been defeated.
This bill was intended to amend the 2013 Constitution, which had faced scrutiny since its promulgation. The Constitution allows for amendments only through a specified process outlined in Chapter 11, which mandates a supermajority for any changes. Jitoko emphasized that only 40 votes were obtained, hence the bill will not progress any further.
Recent discussions around constitutional amendments have highlighted a broader context in which Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been advocating for reforms. His administration has sought to adjust the amendment process, proposing to lower the threshold from a three-quarters majority to a two-thirds majority. This proposal aims to simplify the amendment process and enhance public engagement.
In related developments, the ongoing dialogue within Parliament signifies a continuing effort to address constitutional concerns that many believe concentrate too much power within the executive branch. The importance of involving a diverse array of voices in governance remains central to this conversation.
As Fiji navigates these intricate legislative inroads, there remains a hopeful perspective that future discussions may yield a more inclusive constitutional framework. This would ensure governance that resonates with the aspirations of all Fijians, ultimately fostering unity and democratic representation within the nation.
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