Fiji’s Political Tug-of-War: Can Rabuka Survive the Leadership Crisis?

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has strongly countered Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube’s demand for his resignation, stating that only Parliament has the power to decide his fate. Narube’s call for resignation followed the government’s unsuccessful attempt to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, which failed to secure the required 75 percent majority. This setback, which Narube labeled a serious misjudgment, has intensified scrutiny of Rabuka’s leadership.

In response, Rabuka maintained that he was not mistaken in pursuing the amendment and emphasized the importance of negotiating for parliamentary support. He remarked, “I was encouraged to approach the constitutional issues on a bilateral basis,” reaffirming his determination to continue efforts to amend the 2013 Constitution despite the current challenges.

The political tensions have escalated, with Narube publicly criticizing Rabuka’s leadership, calling the situation a reflection of broader accountability issues within the administration. He argued that Rabuka should take full responsibility for the setback instead of shifting blame and suggested that a legal challenge would be a more appropriate path to contest the Constitution’s validity rather than seeking amendments through Parliament.

This event highlights ongoing concerns about political trust and leadership integrity as Fiji prepares for the 2026 elections. Narube’s criticisms underscore the necessity for voters to consider candidates who genuinely prioritize public service.

In defense of Rabuka, Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo described Narube’s resignation demand as “laughable,” emphasizing that Rabuka earned his mandate from over 77,000 votes, significantly more than Narube’s 6,845 votes. Vosarogo also pointed out that the narrow outcome of the amendment vote—just one vote shy—demonstrates the complexities of constitutional reform rather than a failure of leadership.

Amidst these political challenges, there is a hopeful outlook that increased public engagement and calls for accountability can foster a more transparent and effective governance model. The role of citizens in shaping their government is critical, particularly in a diverse society like Fiji, where unity and representation are essential for democratic progress.