Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has reaffirmed his commitment to amending the 2013 Constitution, which he critiques as a “one man conceived document.” Despite a recent parliamentary setback where the Constitution Amendment Bill failed to achieve the required 75 percent majority vote—only 40 votes in favor and 14 against, with one abstention—Kamikamica views this as merely the commencement of a protracted effort toward constitutional reform.
In light of the failed amendment, Kamikamica has indicated intentions to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, questioning the applicability of the 1997 Constitution as a possible basis for future governance. He asserts that thorough constitutional review is fundamental to fostering national unity, arguing that genuine collaboration among Fiji’s diverse populace can only stem from understanding and reforming the current constitution.
Echoing these sentiments, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously articulated the necessity for a new constitutional framework to diminish the excessive concentration of power within the executive branch. This quest for reform has become a significant aspect of his administration, with a focus on enhancing public involvement in the creation of a constitution that accurately reflects the aspirations and rights of all Fijians.
The recent developments surrounding the Amendment Bill underscore the ongoing dialogue about constitutional reform in Fiji, spotlighting a dedication to inclusive governance. Though this parliamentary outcome is viewed as a setback, there remains optimism that persistent discourse may lead to a constitutional framework that aligns more closely with the values and needs of the Fijian people, ultimately fortifying democratic principles in the nation.
The movement towards reform embodies a hopeful perspective on Fiji’s political landscape, where elevating every voice in the establishment of governance can promote unity rather than division.
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