The Fiji Law Reform Commission recently received submissions addressing the country’s electoral law review, highlighting the proposed need for reforms without altering the 2013 Constitution. Notably, Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, questioned how these reforms could effectively align with the current constitutional framework. He expressed confusion over the linkage between proposed changes and the Constitution, seeking clarity on priorities between the two.
Narube also announced a significant initiative by Unity Fiji to challenge the legality of the 2013 Constitution in a court of law by year-end. He underscored the absence of the people’s mandate behind the Constitution, asserting that the decision by the Court of Appeal regarding the previous government led by Voreqe Bainimarama remains unchallenged. Narube indicated that his party, in collaboration with various organizations and individuals, is determined to scrutinize the constitutional framework to pursue democratic integrity.
This initiative mirrors Narube’s earlier stance, where he criticized the D’Hondt electoral system as unfair and called for constitutional amendments to create new electoral constituencies and eliminate the existing 5 percent threshold for parliamentary entry. He is pushing for extensive consultations with government entities to develop an inclusive approach to these reforms.
Encouragingly, there have been discussions regarding the establishment of a Constitution Review Commission by the government, which may foster a conducive environment for engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about governance. With the evolving political landscape, there is hope that these discussions will lead to reforms that align better with the aspirations of the Fijian populace, paving the way toward a more representative and democratic future.
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