Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, has emphasized the necessity for a national dialogue to fully reveal the events surrounding the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006 before any amendments to the 2013 Constitution are considered. In an interview, he stressed the importance of understanding the motivations behind these significant events that have disrupted Fiji’s development.
Seruiratu stated that such discussions are vital for fostering transparency and reconciliation, aiming to address the root causes of past issues. He underscored that the Constitution serves as the nation’s cornerstone, detailing the government’s powers and limitations as well as the rights of its citizens.
He described the Constitution as a “living document” that should evolve in response to changing circumstances. A revised constitution should strengthen the principle of popular sovereignty, ensuring that citizens have a significant voice in their governance.
Reflecting on Fiji’s history, he noted that the country has enacted four constitutions since independence in 1970—the 1970, 1990, 1997, and the 2013 constitutions. Despite the purported strengths of previous constitutions, significant political turmoil has persisted. This observation, he contended, highlights that constitutions alone do not resolve underlying issues, and a mutual commitment to constitutional principles must exist to make it effective.
Seruiratu urged the Government to take a proactive leadership role in ensuring that any constitutional review is comprehensive, accepted by all, and sustainable. He called for a thorough review process, beginning with a political dialogue that brings together various political and community leaders.
He highlighted the need for effective communication, problem-solving skills, and constructive feedback in these discussions to better identify the complex issues that have led to ongoing conflicts within the nation. He warned that without addressing the fundamental causes of these problems, any proposed constitutional review could ultimately prove ineffective.