Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a reevaluation of the 2013 Constitution, expressing concerns about the regressive limitations it imposes on human rights. Speaking at the National Federation Party Annual Convention in Sigatoka, Rabuka highlighted how the coalition government could be tempted to benefit from certain clauses in the Constitution that provide them with unfair advantages and significant power. However, he acknowledged that such a stance would be unjust, unrealistic, and undemocratic.
Rabuka emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation in addressing the historical political turmoil in Fiji. He stressed the need to heal as a nation by confronting the traumatic past that has generated fear and mistrust among citizens. He pointed out that the nation has endured pain and trauma from political upheavals for too long without addressing the generational issues that could be passed down.
NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad also voiced support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He indicated that it is essential for the nation to engage in open discussions about past traumatic events, learn from these experiences, and establish a clearer path forward.
Rabuka affirmed his personal commitment to ensuring a just and equitable constitutional process and highlighted the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a significant step in this direction.