Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recognized the National Federation Party (NFP) as Fiji’s longest-standing political party, underlining its endurance and commitment to the nation during his address at the NFP Annual Convention. He noted that at 61 years old, the NFP has been integral in shaping Fiji’s political landscape from the pre-independence period, led by the late A.D. Patel, through significant political changes, to its current role in the Coalition Government.
Rabuka expressed his trust and confidence in the NFP, particularly with its current leader, Professor Biman Prasad. He remarked that this Coalition Government is the first to govern Fiji for over a year, acknowledging that, like any family, coalitions face challenges. However, he emphasized that the determination and focus of seasoned leaders differentiate them from others.
The Prime Minister reflected on his longstanding relationship with the NFP, particularly through his friendship with the late Party Leader, Justice Jai Ram Reddy, who passed away in August 2022. Rabuka shared that their partnership during the creation of the 1997 Constitution was a significant milestone for Fiji. He highlighted that after Justice Reddy’s influential address to the Great Council of Chiefs, the Constitution was unanimously enacted in Parliament and was internationally acknowledged for its emphasis on dialogue and consensus.
Rabuka lamented the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10, 2009, shortly after a ruling from the Fiji Court of Appeal mandated the restoration of democracy. He contrasted the progressive nature of the 1997 Constitution, which protected individual and group rights, with the 2013 Constitution, which he criticized for imposing limitations on human rights. He pointed out that the 1997 Constitution included protections for i-Taukei landowners and Indo-Fijian tenants and aimed to de-politicize key independent offices.
Lastly, the Prime Minister echoed former Chief Justice Anthony Gates’ 2018 remarks regarding the 2013 Constitution’s single national constituency, which restricts citizens’ direct access to their elected officials, emphasizing the need for a reassessment of the 2013 Constitution.