Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed the need to reevaluate the 2013 Constitution during his address at the National Federation Party Annual Convention in Sigatoka. He noted that the current constitution imposes regressive restrictions on human rights.
Rabuka highlighted the coalition government’s awareness of the self-serving nature of maintaining certain constitutional clauses that provide unfair advantages and absolute power. However, he stated that such actions would be unjust and contrary to democratic principles.
He emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation for the healing of Fiji, articulating the necessity to close the chapter on political turmoil and the long-standing culture of fear and distrust within the nation. Rabuka acknowledged the pain and trauma caused by past political events and recognized the intergenerational issues that have persisted.
Supporting the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad echoed the need for open conversations about the nation’s traumatic past, encouraging learning from these experiences to guide future actions.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his personal commitment to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the quest for a fair and just constitution.