Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has expressed strong criticism towards the government regarding its transparency and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions about proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution. Following the recent defeat of the Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament, which fell just one vote short of the required majority, Seruiratu has called for genuine and inclusive dialogue that considers the perspectives of all Fijians, not just those aligned with the government.
Seruiratu highlighted his frustration with the government’s reluctance to clarify which specific areas of the Constitution require amendments, a lack of clarity recently echoed by various stakeholders within the community. He emphasized that effective discussions cannot be conducted through sporadic texts or one-sided communication but must involve direct engagement that values every citizen’s input. His comments respond to Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s recent criticisms, which claimed that Seruiratu’s approach reflects weak leadership.
The Opposition Leader contended that humility in dialogue does not equate to weakness, asserting that the commitment to constructive discussions is rooted in a sincere desire for compromise, while still upholding core principles. In a recent exchange, Kamikamica dismissed Seruiratu’s stance as harkening back to the influence of previous leaders who failed to fulfill their parliamentary responsibilities. However, Seruiratu maintained that the current approach to discussions should involve serious engagement with all political factions to achieve a consensus.
This scenario mirrors earlier sentiments aired by Seruiratu regarding the necessity for transparency in political procedures—previous concerns also revolved around allegations of government tactics that may border on unethical persuasion to secure support from Opposition members. Despite the existing tension, there is a hopeful perspective that these dialogues could serve as a foundation for meaningful reforms, fostering responsible governance and ensuring the expression of diverse voices within Fiji’s political landscape.
Furthermore, both Seruiratu and Kamikamica’s dialogues suggest a growing interest in bridging the gap between the government and the opposition, with the potential for these discussions to lead toward a cohesive approach in refining Fiji’s constitutional framework. Ultimately, there remains optimism that this political engagement will carve a pathway toward reforms that genuinely reflect the collective aspirations of Fijian citizens.
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