Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the National Federation Party (NFP) as Fiji’s longest-standing political party, highlighting its resilience and commitment to the nation. Addressing attendees at the NFP Annual Convention, Rabuka noted that the party has been influential for 61 years, tracing its history from the leadership of the late A.D. Patel during the pre-independence Constitutional Conference in the UK, to its role in the Legislative Council in the 1960s, and its current position in the Coalition Government he leads.
Rabuka expressed his trust in the NFP, particularly in its leader, Professor Biman Prasad. He remarked on the significance of the Coalition Government, noting it is the first to govern Fiji for over a year. He acknowledged that, like any family, coalitions go through challenges, but their focus and determination set experienced leaders apart.
He reflected on the bond he shared with the late party leader, Justice Jai Ram Reddy, who passed away in August 2022, emphasizing their collaboration on the 1997 Constitution, a landmark achievement for Fiji. Rabuka recounted how the Constitution was passed unanimously in Parliament after Justice Reddy’s impactful address to the Great Council of Chiefs, garnering international recognition for its emphasis on perseverance and consensus.
However, Rabuka lamented the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10, 2009, shortly after a court ruling mandated the restoration of democracy. He critiqued the 2013 Constitution for imposing regressive limitations on human rights compared to its predecessor, which advocated for group rights and the independence of critical offices.
He underscored a statement made by former Chief Justice Anthony Gates in 2018 about the 2013 Constitution’s single national constituency undermining citizens’ direct access to elected representatives. Rabuka concluded by stating that a review of the 2013 Constitution is essential.