Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the significance of the National Federation Party (NFP) as Fiji’s longest-standing political party, showcasing 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 played a critical role in the country’s development. This includes its contributions during the pre-independence period under the late A.D. Patel and its role in the Legislative Council during the 1960s, as well as its current participation in the Coalition Government.
Rabuka expressed his trust in the NFP, particularly in its leader, Professor Biman Prasad. He mentioned that their Coalition Government is notable for being the first to govern Fiji for over a year, acknowledging that coalitions can face challenges but that their determination separates effective leaders from others.
The Prime Minister reflected on his longstanding connection to the NFP, strengthened by his relationship with former Party Leader Justice Jai Ram Reddy, who passed away in August 2022. He recalled their collaboration on the 1997 Constitution, a significant event in Fiji’s history, which was enacted unanimously after Justice Reddy’s influential speech to the Great Council of Chiefs.
Rabuka lamented the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution in April 2009, which had been hailed for its promotion of rights and consensus-building. He criticized the 2013 Constitution, highlighting its limitations on human rights compared to the progressive 1997 Constitution, which safeguarded group rights and the independence of various offices.
Pointing to comments made by former Chief Justice Anthony Gates in 2018, Rabuka argued that the single national constituency structure of the 2013 Constitution restricts citizens’ access to their elected representatives. He concluded that a reevaluation of the 2013 Constitution is essential.