Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the National Federation Party (NFP) as Fiji’s longest-standing political party, highlighting its resilience and commitment to the nation. During the NFP Annual Convention, he noted that at 61 years old, the party has significantly influenced Fiji’s history, from the pre-independence period under the leadership of A.D. Patel to its current role in the Coalition Government.
Rabuka expressed his trust in the NFP, particularly in its leader, Professor Biman Prasad. He emphasized that this Coalition Government has been the first to lead Fiji for over a year and acknowledged that, much like any family, it faces challenges. However, he asserted that the focus and determination of leaders set them apart.
He reflected on his relationship with the late NFP leader, Mr. Justice Jai Ram Reddy, who passed away in August 2022, noting that their collaboration on the 1997 Constitution marked a historic achievement for Fiji. He recounted how Reddy’s influential address led to the unanimous enactment of the Constitution, which was internationally recognized for its emphasis on dialogue and consensus.
Rabuka lamented the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10, 2009, shortly after a court ruling that democracy should be reinstated. He criticized the 2013 Constitution for imposing limitations on human rights compared to its predecessor, highlighting that the former protected essential group rights and played a role in de-politicizing key independent offices.
Furthermore, Rabuka referenced comments from former Chief Justice Anthony Gates in 2018, indicating that the single national constituency established by the 2013 Constitution restricts citizens’ direct access to their elected representatives. He concluded that it is essential to reconsider the 2013 Constitution.