Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka remarked that the Opposition had the opportunity to secure the constitutional amendments they desired had the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025 reached the third reading in Parliament during the session on Tuesday night.
In an interview with FBC News, Rabuka reflected on his government’s lobbying efforts to garner support, acknowledging, “We were attacked again from behind him, but I still felt they would be able to come together and vote for the second reading because the changes they wanted to incorporate into the bill would have come during the third reading.”
Despite these efforts, he did not specify the independents he had approached for support. Looking ahead, Rabuka indicated that the government will consider its options before seeking an opinion from the Supreme Court, emphasizing that it is not an immediate action. He stated, “Not necessarily, not right away; we will have to consider the options and how viable those options are.” Should other avenues fail, he underscored that Fiji would need to continue under the existing 2013 Constitution.
The bill faltered in securing the required three-quarter majority, with the final vote tally reflecting 40 in favor, 14 against, and one abstention from voting.
This recent parliamentary development mirrors previous challenges faced by Rabuka’s administration, which has often encountered hurdles when pursuing constitutional reforms. Rabuka’s ongoing commitment to fostering a dialogue around inclusivity in government and a more representative framework remains paramount. Many view this ongoing struggle and the conversations surrounding it as a pathway toward greater involvement of all communities in the governance of Fiji, cultivating a more united and democratic society.
As Fiji continues to navigate its political landscape, there is a sense of hope that future engagement will yield a constitutional structure that truly reflects the voices of all its citizens. The resilience shown by leaders in the face of setbacks bodes well for forging a stronger, more accountable governance framework that prioritizes inclusivity and representation.
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