The Fijian Parliament is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, put forward by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The bill, which was presented in a recent parliamentary session, seeks to amend the 2013 Constitution by lowering the threshold for constitutional changes from a three-quarter majority to a two-thirds majority, requiring the endorsement of only 37 Members of Parliament.
One of the most significant aspects of this proposed legislation is the elimination of the requirement for a referendum to approve constitutional amendments. This move aligns with historical practices and aims to streamline a process that has long been perceived as cumbersome. During a crucial vote, four opposition members—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—defected from their party lines to support the government’s initiative, resulting in a tally of 41 votes in favor compared to 13 against.
The bill specifically addresses Section 160 of the Constitution, advocating for the repeal of provisions that necessitate a supermajority from registered voters for amendments to be passed via referendum. The Attorney General has argued that the current amendment process is overly complicated and acts as a barrier to adapting the Constitution to reflect public needs.
Prime Minister Rabuka has emphasized the significance of these amendments in countering criticisms directed at the adoption of the 2013 Constitution, which was perceived to have insufficient public engagement. This legislative effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance democratic governance and boost public participation. Furthermore, the government plans to establish a Constitution Review Commission aimed at facilitating more extensive public consultation regarding potential future amendments.
The progress of this bill, along with discussions in Parliament, marks a hopeful development for Fiji, with the objective of fostering a more transparent and responsive governance structure that resonates with the diverse aspirations of its citizens. By promoting inclusivity and engagement in the legislative process, Fiji has a promising chance to advance its democratic principles and strengthen unity among its population.
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