Opposition MP Ketan Lal has urged the Government to halt its plans for reviewing the 2013 Constitution, advocating instead for immediate attention to the country’s declining infrastructure. Lal highlighted that poor road conditions are jeopardizing access to essential services, particularly hospitals, and suggested that the Government’s focus should be on urgent infrastructure needs rather than constitutional revisions.

In reaction to the Cabinet’s decision for a constitutional review, Lal criticized the administration’s prioritization, emphasizing that years of neglect in infrastructure need addressing. He pointed out that the administration is investing energy into a constitutional review rather than fulfilling urgent public needs.

In contrast, Environment Minister Mosese Bulitavu defended the necessity of the review, stating that more than a decade has passed since the 2013 Constitution was enacted through a decree and not passed by Parliament. He argued that a revised constitution should better reflect the wishes of the Fijian people, rather than those of a select few who disregarded the Yash Ghai draft that had incorporated extensive public consultation.

Bulitavu stressed that it’s crucial to involve citizens in this process since the impact of constitutional changes would be felt by them the most. His comments align with calls from other political figures advocating for constitutional reform to address past grievances and enhance representation in governance.

The ongoing discourse around the constitutional review marks a crucial moment in Fiji’s democracy, with the potential for robust engagement from citizens. As political leaders discuss the viability of constitutional amendments, this process opens avenues for public involvement that could lead to a more inclusive and representative governance structure.

Overall, while the opposing views reflect the current tensions surrounding constitutional reform, there remains a potential hopeful pathway towards establishing a governance framework that genuinely addresses the aspirations and needs of all Fijians. Engaging citizens in shaping their constitutional landscape can foster a renewed trust in the democratic process and provide a foundation for future development.