Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition in Fiji, is advocating for the Fijian government to complete the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) processes before moving ahead with any amendments to the 2013 Constitution. During his speech in Parliament, he emphasized that Fiji’s distinct history of political instability, including several coups, distinguishes it from countries such as the United States and India, which have not encountered similar upheavals.
Seruiratu highlighted the necessity of understanding Fiji’s historical context regarding its political challenges. He argued that prioritizing healing and reconciliation is essential before the nation contemplates altering its constitution. The current constitution, he noted, resulted from a comprehensive consultative process that engaged numerous communities and stakeholders. Under the Bainimarama Interim Government, there were 1,028 consultations and advice from constitutional expert Professor Yash Ghai. Nevertheless, he questioned whether these discussions represented the broader population’s true desires, suggesting that the outcomes may have favored certain political groups over others.
He called for bipartisan cooperation and expressed the Opposition’s readiness to collaborate with the Government in this significant area. “The Government must exercise caution and work with us,” Seruiratu stated, acknowledging that while the ruling party has the majority to propose amendments, the amendment process should be inclusive and attentive to all segments of Fijian society.
Reflecting on Fiji’s political history, Seruiratu pointed out that the nation has adopted four different constitutions since gaining independence in 1970, all aimed at stabilizing governance but failing to prevent recurring crises. This perspective reinforces his assertion that creating a constitution alone cannot resolve the enduring issues affecting the country. He stressed, “A collective commitment to the Constitution and its principles is necessary for effective governance.”
Seruiratu’s plea for open dialogue regarding Fiji’s challenging past, particularly in relation to the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006, signals a hopeful pursuit of transparency and healing. He believes that addressing the root causes of these conflicts is crucial for Fiji to build a more cohesive and stable future.
His commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding represents a positive opportunity for the community to unite and develop a shared vision for Fiji’s governance. This collective effort could mark a significant step towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the nation.
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