The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has urged for a national dialogue to fully explore the events surrounding the upheavals in 1987, 2000, and 2006, prior to any amendments to the 2013 Constitution. Speaking to FijiLive, Seruiratu emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of these significant events that disrupted Fiji’s development.
He stated, “We need to know what happened and who was behind all of these events that shook Fiji.” He believes that such discussions are essential for a transparent reconciliation process that could address the root causes of past issues.
Seruiratu highlighted that the Constitution is the nation’s foundational law that delineates government authority and citizen rights. He asserted that this crucial document serves as a framework for governance and must be viewed as a “living document” that evolves with changing circumstances.
He proposed that any revised constitution should strengthen the concept of popular sovereignty, which recognizes that the people are the ultimate source of power and should have a greater voice in governance.
Reflecting on Fiji’s history, Seruiratu mentioned that the nation has experienced four constitutions since its independence in 1970: 1970, 1990, 1997, and the 2013 Constitution. Despite the perceived effectiveness of past constitutions, he noted that challenges remain, indicating that constitutions alone do not resolve issues.
He called on the government to demonstrate leadership and ensure that the results of any constitutional review are widely accepted and sustainable. Seruiratu advocated for a thorough review process, starting with a political dialogue among leaders from various sectors.
This dialogue, according to Seruiratu, should focus on open discussions, active listening, problem identification, constructive feedback, consensus building, and conflict resolution to address the complex issues that have historically plagued the nation. He cautioned that without addressing the root causes of these problems, any constitutional review could prove fruitless.