Fiji’s Constitutional Review: A Pathway to Change or Stalled Progress?

Career civil servant and former permanent secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, Jioji Kotobalavu, has been at the center of discussions regarding the recent developments in Fiji’s constitutional review process. Attorney-General Graham Leung announced that the Cabinet will determine the next steps after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required supermajority of 41 votes in Parliament, falling short with a final count of 40 in favor and 14 against.

According to Leung, the requirement for a three-quarters majority as outlined in Standing Order 93(1)(b) poses significant challenges for advancing constitutional amendments. Following this setback, he indicated that seeking legal clarification from the Supreme Court on the amendment provisions could be a viable path forward, emphasizing that the Constitution should evolve to meet the changing needs of society.

Justice Minister Siromi Turaga expressed disappointment over two Opposition members who shifted their support back to the Opposition after initially backing the Government. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to working within the constitutional framework and emphasized the necessity for public consultation moving forward.

In earlier discussions, the need for reform had been echoed by various leaders, who recognized that many of the constitutional provisions, particularly those dictating the electoral process, raise concerns about fairness and representation. Leung has consistently emphasized the need for an inclusive discussion that encompasses diverse viewpoints from political factions and civil society.

This ongoing dialogue points to a hopeful potential for constructive change. The government remains committed to a participatory approach, suggesting that there may still be pathways to align the Constitution more closely with the aspirations of the Fijian people. Future discussions could serve as a crucial turning point that fosters a more democratic and representative governance structure in Fiji.

The determination to engage in a collaborative dialogue signals optimism that, despite the current setbacks, a more transparent and inclusive revision of the Constitution can be achieved, aligning governance with the evolving needs and expectations of the population.