In a notable parliamentary shift, four opposition Members of Parliament in Fiji—Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, Rinesh Sharma, and Sanjay Kirpal—have pledged their support for the government’s initiative to revise the 2013 Constitution. Their objective centers on empowering citizens to influence these constitutional amendments, emphasizing the critical role of public consultation in this reform process.
In a recent parliamentary session, these MPs voted to suspend certain standing orders to facilitate the first reading of the government’s proposed amendment bill. MP Shalen Kumar underscored the importance of public input, stating, “Let’s take this to the people and let them decide what they want to be part of the Constitution.” He pointed out that while constitutional changes are prevalent in various political contexts, only certain aspects require modification while preserving the core principles of the Constitution.
Echoing these sentiments, MP Sachida Nand argued that the current Constitution appears inflexible and needs to evolve to better reflect the rights and needs of the people. He drew parallels with countries such as the United States and India, where amendments have been crucial for progress, advocating for a governance model that actively involves the public.
Rinesh Sharma highlighted the need to amend approximately “5 to 10 percent” of the Constitution to ensure an equitable distribution of power among governing bodies, particularly regarding the concentration of authority within specific executive roles. He stressed the necessity of maintaining a separation of powers as a safeguard for democracy, using past experiences with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to illustrate his points.
MP Sanjay Kirpal affirmed his commitment to presenting the bill for public discourse, noting the vital need for citizens to grasp the implications of the proposed changes. Collectively, the MPs assert that a truly representative governance framework must resonate with the diverse perspectives of all Fijian citizens.
This conversation aligns with earlier remarks from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has been advocating for constitutional reforms that are relevant to modern governance challenges. Although there is notable parliamentary support, the government currently lacks the majority necessary to pass the amendments, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
This initiative toward constitutional reform presents a promising prospect for bolstering democratic values and inclusivity in Fiji. By prioritizing civic engagement, there is potential to develop a governance framework that embodies the collective aspirations of the Fijian people, ultimately strengthening the nation’s unity and governance.
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