The paramount chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy, Ro Teimumu Kepa, has voiced strong support for revising Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, arguing that it was imposed without adequate public consultation following the 2006 coup. She expressed disappointment that the constitution does not reflect the interests of the Fijian people, stating, “None of us had any say in it,” recalling her feelings upon entering Parliament in 2014, when the constitution was already established.
Ro Teimumu has raised concerns about specific provisions within the constitution, particularly the significant powers granted to the Attorney-General and the immunity given to certain officials involved in past political actions. She questions the justification of these safeguards, warning that unresolved constitutional issues could increase public dissatisfaction. She urged fellow Fijians to advocate for amendments that ensure citizen representation and participation in governance.
This call for reform resonates with other political leaders. Opposition MP Sachida Nand condemned the constitution, claiming it was designed to benefit a select individual rather than the broader populace. Adi Sivia Qoro, the president of Unity Fiji, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the original draft by the Yash Ghai Constitution Commission was overlooked, resulting in a version that lacked meaningful public engagement.
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo have also called for a thorough constitutional review, regarding the original formation process as exclusionary. Their comments reflect historical frustrations around coups that have negatively impacted Fiji’s democratic processes and social harmony.
Amidst these discussions, there is a shared optimism among these leaders that opening dialogues about constitutional reform could lead to a more inclusive governance structure. Engaging citizens in this reform process holds the potential to not only enhance democratic representation but also cultivate national unity, thereby strengthening the future of Fiji.
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