Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the National Federation Party (NFP) as Fiji’s longest-standing political party, emphasizing its resilience and commitment to the nation. Speaking at the NFP Annual Convention, Rabuka noted that the party, which has been active for 61 years, has significantly influenced Fiji’s political landscape, from its early days under the late A.D. Patel at the Constitutional Conference in the UK to its current role in the Coalition Government.
Rabuka expressed his trust in the NFP, particularly in the leadership of Professor Biman Prasad. He highlighted that for more than a year, this Coalition Government has led Fiji, acknowledging that, like any family, coalitions face challenges. He stressed that the determination and focus of experienced leaders set them apart.
The Prime Minister reflected on his close relationship with the late NFP Leader, Justice Jai Ram Reddy, who passed away in August 2022. He recalled their collaboration on the 1997 Constitution, which marked a significant achievement for Fiji, enacted unanimously in Parliament following Reddy’s notable speech to the Great Council of Chiefs. This Constitution was widely acknowledged for its commitment to dialogue and consensus.
Rabuka lamented the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10, 2009, shortly after a court ruling called for the restoration of democracy. He criticized the 2013 Constitution for its regressive limitations on human rights in contrast to the progressive Bill of Rights of the 1997 Constitution, which safeguarded group rights and established depoliticized independent offices.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the single national constituency system under the 2013 Constitution restricts citizens’ access to their elected representatives, a situation he believes warrants a reevaluation of the current framework.