The Fijian Parliament is poised for significant change with the introduction of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. This legislation, presented at a recent parliamentary session, aims to amend the 2013 Constitution by reducing the requirement for parliamentary support for constitutional changes from three-quarters to two-thirds, specifically requiring the support of only 37 Members of Parliament.
A notable aspect of the Bill is the proposed removal of the necessity for a referendum to validate constitutional changes. This aligns with historical practices and aims to simplify what has long been viewed as a complex amendment process. In a key vote, four opposition members—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—crossed party lines to support the Government, bringing the total votes in favor to 41 against 13 opposed.
The Bill specifically targets Section 160 of the Constitution, proposing to repeal parts that mandate a supermajority among registered voters in Fiji to pass amendments through a referendum. The Attorney General emphasized that the existing process has been criticized for being overly complicated, which hinders the Constitution’s adaptability to public needs.
Prime Minister Rabuka has underscored the importance of these amendments in addressing criticisms of the 2013 Constitution’s adoption, which lacked widespread public involvement. The current legislative initiative is part of a broader push to enhance democratic governance and public participation. The government also plans to establish a Constitution Review Commission that will facilitate further public consultation regarding potential amendments.
This bill’s advancement and parliamentary discussions represent a hopeful milestone for Fiji, aiming to create a more transparent, responsive governance framework that better reflects the diverse aspirations of its citizens. By reinforcing inclusivity and engagement in the legislative process, there is a genuine opportunity for Fiji to enhance its democratic ideals and strengthen unity across its populace.
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