Unity Fiji is gearing up to take legal action in October to challenge the enforcement of the 2013 Constitution, which party leader Savenaca Narube asserts was imposed on the Fijian people. Narube has pointed out the difficulties surrounding the proposed constitutional review, noting that the current governing coalition has seemingly abandoned its electoral commitments to address this issue.
He expressed apprehension regarding the potential for any amendments to the 2013 Constitution due to the demanding criteria needed for approval. Specifically, changes would require a 75% majority from both Members of Parliament and registered voters in a national referendum. Narube highlighted that the most recent election saw only a 74% voter turnout, complicating the amendment prospects significantly.
Critically, Narube also mentioned the government’s failure to allocate a budget for constitutional review initiatives, raising concerns that any discussions on reform may be more about political strategy than a sincere effort to serve the public interest. In response, Unity Fiji has actively pursued conversations with various local and international organizations to consolidate their resources and support their campaign against the current constitutional system.
Narube emphasized the importance of dismantling the 2013 Constitution to promote national unity and development, particularly regarding the military’s role as defined by the document.
Previous articles have echoed these views, underlining the necessity for a meaningful dialogue on constitutional reforms. They stress the urgency for political entities to engage in an open and inclusive conversation that caters to the needs of Fiji’s diverse and multiracial populace.
In an encouraging turn of events, the government has announced the formation of a Constitution Review Commission to facilitate a constitutional assessment. This development signals a potential shift towards collaborative discussions among stakeholders focused on addressing long-standing issues of governance.
As Fiji embarks on these discussions, there is a renewed hope for significant reforms that could lead to improved representation and accountability in its political framework, aspirations that resonate with many citizens. The upcoming months may prove pivotal in shaping a constitutional landscape that better reflects the voice and desires of the Fijian people.
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