Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo has responded to Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube’s call for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to resign following the government’s recent inability to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill. Vosarogo dismissed Narube’s demands as “hilarious,” pointing out Narube’s minimal political influence, evidenced by his party’s garnering just 1.45% of the votes in the last election, in stark contrast to Rabuka’s mandate of 16.52%.
The Minister acknowledged that amending the 2013 Constitution is a complex issue, noting that the bill’s failure in parliament was by a narrow margin of just one vote. This outcome emphasizes the intricate nature of such legislative reforms rather than reflecting a leadership failure. Vosarogo emphasized that the government should be recognized for its willingness to tackle these challenging issues rather than critiqued.
He also commented on Narube’s intentions to contest the Constitution legally, urging him to follow the appropriate legal procedures, starting with filing in the High Court before potentially escalating to the Supreme Court. Vosarogo mentioned that such legal processes could extend over 24 months or longer, highlighting the challenges associated with constitutional amendments.
The exchange illustrates the current tensions within Fiji’s political environment and raises important questions about the nation’s commitment to stability and reform. However, there is a silver lining—as citizens increasingly demand accountability and transparency from their leaders, opportunities for political engagement and participation may foster a more vibrant democratic process, especially as the country approaches future elections. This situation underscores the necessity of encouraging thoughtful political discourse and active civic involvement to help create a more robust governance structure for Fiji’s future.
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