Fiji’s Political Shake-Up: A Path to Constitutional Reform?

Recently, a pivotal development unfolded in the Fijian Parliament as four members from the opposition party, Fiji First, decided to break away from their ranks and support a motion that aims to amend the 2013 Constitution. This shift presents an additional hurdle for the Fiji First party, which maintains 16 seats in Parliament. The defectors—Rinesh Sharma, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Sanjay Kirpal—cast their votes in alignment with the governing coalition led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Their support enabled the introduction of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The motion garnered substantial backing, achieving 41 votes in favor, 13 against, and one abstention. This preliminary vote sets the stage for Prime Minister Rabuka’s upcoming second reading and debate on the Bill, as he seeks to chart a legislative course for important constitutional reforms.

Prime Minister Rabuka has noted that, despite the government’s robust representation—now nearly 70 percent of the parliamentary vote with the inclusion of the Group of Nine (G9)—it still lacks the requisite majority for constitutional amendment, currently falling four votes short of the 42 necessary for a three-quarters majority. This obstacle presents a serious challenge as discussions continue regarding the Constitution’s provisions, particularly concerning the concentration of power within the executive branch.

The developments reveal the complex and often contentious political climate in Fiji, with the opposition, identified as the Group of 16, playing a crucial role in ensuring governmental accountability. The Rabuka administration has reiterated its dedication to engaging diverse stakeholders, aiming to ensure that any constitutional amendments encapsulate the varied perspectives and needs of the Fijian population.

This ongoing effort towards constitutional reform offers a promising avenue for fostering inclusivity and enhancing democratic representation. It is an opportunity to unite the diverse aspirations of all Fijians while navigating the intricate dynamics within Parliament. Promoting civic participation and encouraging active engagement in this process could ultimately lead to a more cohesive and strengthened nation, thus illuminating a hopeful path forward for the future of Fiji’s democracy.