Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has responded to recent critiques regarding the government’s inability to amend the 2013 Constitution, emphasizing that their approach was not rushed, despite currently lacking the necessary parliamentary majority. In a media session, Rabuka pointed out that the government needs 42 votes to pass the Amendment Bill, a significant aspect of the People’s Alliance manifesto.
Rabuka remarked on attempts to engage the Opposition for support, which included meetings and lobbying. Although there was initial encouragement from some Opposition leaders to work together on constitutional issues, this support ultimately did not translate into votes during a critical moment.
After the bill faced rejection during its second reading, Rabuka indicated that while immediate action towards the Supreme Court isn’t envisioned, all possible avenues will be explored in future efforts. He reiterated the importance of evaluating viable options and confirmed that the government would continue under the existing legal framework as needed.
These discussions on constitutional reform reflect Rabuka’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical issues of governance, which he believes are vital for defining state powers and safeguarding citizens’ rights. He remains optimistic about promoting inclusive dialogue, essential for accommodating the diverse nature of Fiji’s population in the constitutional framework.
In this context, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has also reiterated the government’s determination to pursue constitutional reform. He has expressed that the recent parliamentary setback should be viewed as just the start of a longer journey to amend a document he deems fundamentally flawed.
Despite the challenges ahead, the government’s focus on inclusivity and open dialogue is a promising sign for Fiji’s political landscape. As the nation confronts these obstacles, there is hope for creating a governance framework that resonates with the aspirations of all citizens, fostering cooperative efforts to unify the diverse society of Fiji.
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