The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been defeated in Fiji’s Parliament after the coalition government led by Sitiveni Rabuka could not secure the necessary 41 votes, which represents the required 75 percent majority according to Standing Order 93(1)(b). The voting results showed that 40 Members of Parliament voted in favor, 14 against, and one abstained.
Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko confirmed that the bill could not proceed because it fell short of the requisite votes, stating, “Three quarters equals 41 Members of Parliament,” and emphasized that without this critical support, “the Bill shall not proceed.” His ruling reflected the strict adherence to parliamentary procedures that govern the legislative process.
This scenario places a spotlight on the recent political developments, including significant defections from the opposition ranks that briefly provided hope for the bill’s passage. In previous discussions, Prime Minister Rabuka introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill seeking to amend the 2013 Constitution, intending to address concerns regarding the concentration of power within the executive branch.
Despite this setback, there are still strong commitments from the government to pursue inclusive dialogue aimed at constitutional reform. The ambition remains to create a framework that genuinely reflects the diverse rights and aspirations of the Fijian people. The ongoing dialogue in Parliament represents a hopeful opportunity for enhancing democratic representation.
The situation showcases the importance of civic engagement in democracy, where the collective efforts of the government and citizens can work towards a more inclusive governance structure. Moving forward, the commitment to reform and the push for broader support within Parliament indicate that while challenges remain, there is still potential to reshape Fiji’s constitutional landscape in a way that resonates with its citizens.
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