The Supreme Court of Fiji has denied the Great Council of Chiefs’ (GCC) request to participate as interveners in the ongoing hearings concerning the nation’s 2013 Constitution. Chief Justice Salesi Temo explained that the court had set strict criteria for interveners, allowing only elected Members of Parliament and political parties with significant public support to take part in the proceedings.
Solicitor-General Ropate Green informed the court that GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula and former Minister Rajesh Singh had sought inclusion, but Chief Justice Temo reiterated the ruling that only a limited number of nine interveners would be accepted due to the tight legal timetable. However, it was noted that the GCC and Singh could still voice their opinions through one of the accepted parties.
The court process will include notable legal representatives from across various political parties. The State’s legal team features King’s Counsel Bret Walker, and the People’s Alliance will be represented by Simione Valenitabua and Nemani Tuifagalele. The National Federation Party has legal representation from John Apted, Richard Naidu, and Ronald Singh, while SODELPA’s and Unity Fiji’s legal teams are led by Jolame Uludole and Akanisi Raikaci, respectively. The Fiji Labour Party and G11 also have their representatives confirmed, with Alafina Vuki appearing for the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, and the Fiji Law Society retaining Australian lawyers Arthur Moses and Wylie Clarke.
The court will be examining arguments regarding the validity of the 1997 Constitution and whether it was effectively revoked, a topic raised previously in discussions around constitutional amendments and governance reforms in Fiji. The inclusion of several political factions suggests a robust engagement with the legal and public discourse, as multiple entities collectively seek clarity on constitutional provisions amidst what many perceive as complex legal hurdles.
This development reflects ongoing efforts toward legal clarity and potentially more inclusive governance in Fiji. The Supreme Court is set to reconvene on June 19, continuing this vital discourse which could lead to significant legal reforms. As discussions on constitutional reform evolve, there is optimism that these legal proceedings may bring about necessary changes, aligning governance more closely with the needs and desires of the Fijian populace.
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