Fiji’s Path to Constitutional Change: A Unified Future?

Fijian Member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya has reiterated the government’s commitment to amend the Constitution to more accurately align with the desires of the populace. Tabuya, who ranked as the fourth most-voted MP in the 2022 General Elections, recognizes constitutional reform as a key promise made to her constituents.

In her recent statements, she highlighted that efforts have been made to engage the Opposition in a bipartisan approach to legislative reform, although she noted that this initiative has not found acceptance on the other side. “Bipartisanship was never encouraged during the time when we were in opposition, but this time around we did reach out to the opposition,” she said, reflecting the ongoing desire for constructive dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, also expressed his hopefulness about the pursuit of constitutional amendments, despite recent setbacks where a proposed Amendment Bill fell short of the 75 percent majority in Parliament. The bill, which aimed to address significant issues within the power structure established by the 2013 Constitution, highlighted the challenges faced by the current coalition government.

Kamikamica emphasized the importance of collaboration and respect among parliamentarians, pointing out that the initial support from four opposition members signifies a possibility for greater cooperation moving forward. He stated, “We tried hard… I think a lot more members from the other side will move across,” showcasing optimism for future discussions.

Echoing the sentiments shared by colleagues, the commitment to rebuild Fiji through a reformed constitutional framework appears to resonate across different political factions. Efforts to engage the citizenry in these discussions signal a hopeful path towards fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all Fijians’ voices are represented within their governance structures.

The ongoing pursuit of constitutional reform presents an opportunity for Fiji to build a more united and democratic framework that reflects the aspirations of its diverse citizenry, promoting harmony and collaboration across the political landscape. As the dialogue continues, there is a promise of transformation that could fortify the democratic process and nurture the shared values of the Fijian people.