Members of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) have reaffirmed their position calling for amendments to specific sections of the 2013 Constitution, emphasizing that significant portions of the legislation need alteration to better represent the interests of the iTaukei people. GCC chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, articulated these concerns after the recent defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025 in Parliament.
Ratu Viliame noted that although the GCC intends to focus on community welfare and leave political matters to the elected Members of Parliament, there are pressing issues that demand rectification. He highlighted that many members of the iTaukei community felt excluded from the consultation processes leading to the constitution’s changes and noted how current laws inhibit their ability to fully utilize their natural resources and enjoy the rights guaranteed to them under international frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The chairman pointed to outdated laws from the colonial era that continue to restrict resource owners in securing equitable deals for their assets. He asserted that it is critical for the Constitution to formally recognize the legal status of the chiefly body to enhance traditional leadership and promote community governance and social cohesion.
Ratu Viliame raised several key points, including the necessity for a more inclusive discussion on constitutional amendments that not only benefit the iTaukei but also ensure fair representation for all ethnic groups in Fiji. He pointed out that legislative changes are crucial for addressing broader societal issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence, which have reportedly increased in recent years.
The GCC’s stance aligns with prior discussions highlighting the need for a constitutional review to create a fair and just framework for Fiji’s governance. The previous calls for reform have included reinstating the GCC’s authority to appoint Fiji’s President and re-evaluating the controversial “common identity” clause that describes all citizens as “Fijians” without distinguishing the unique challenges faced by indigenous people.
As the GCC pushes for these essential reforms, there is hope that constructive dialogue can foster greater understanding and cooperation among diverse communities in Fiji. A renewed commitment to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the iTaukei can lead to more inclusive governance and improved living conditions for all citizens, which bodes well for a unified and equitable future.
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