Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, has called for a national dialogue to fully unpack the events surrounding the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006 prior to any amendments to the 2013 Constitution. He emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of these incidents, stating that it is crucial to identify those responsible for actions that have hindered Fiji’s development.
Seruiratu highlighted that such discussions are essential for fostering transparency and reconciliation, aiming to eliminate the root causes of past issues. He described the Constitution as the foundational legal document of the nation that defines governmental powers, citizen rights, and the framework for governance.
He pointed out that, like all legal texts, a constitution should be viewed as a living document, open to review as societal conditions evolve. A revised constitution, he argues, must enhance the principle of popular sovereignty, ensuring that citizens’ voices hold greater weight in governance.
Reflecting on Fiji’s brief history, Seruiratu noted the country has had four constitutions since independence in 1970, indicating that despite the perceived merits of each, systemic issues persisted, leading to significant political unrest.
He urged the Government to lead this initiative to guarantee that any constitutional review yields widely accepted and sustainable outcomes. He stressed that the review process must begin with an inclusive political dialogue among leaders from various sectors.
The dialogue should facilitate honest exchanges, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving to address the deeper issues that have led to prolonged conflicts within the nation. Seruiratu concluded that without tackling these root problems, any constitutional review would likely be ineffective.