Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma has voiced his disapproval of the government’s intention to amend the Constitution, describing the amendment process as fundamentally flawed. In a recent parliamentary session, he urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to transparently present the full content of the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill to both Parliament and the Fijian populace.
Sharma, who plans to remain in Opposition as an Independent MP, expressed that the Parliament could revisit the amendments at a later stage and highlighted contradictions in the Prime Minister’s speech. He accused the government of being more focused on their rhetoric than conveying cohesive ideas to the Fijian people, stating, “I do not support the Motion to suspend the Standing Orders 6(5) and 92, nor do I support the motion under the Prime Minister’s name to amend the Constitution.”
This stance marks a notable contrast from events of the previous week, where Sharma, along with three other opposition members—Sanjay Kirpal, Shalen Kumar, and Sachida Nand—voted with the government to support the suspension of Standing Orders, enabling the Prime Minister to commence the first reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025. Although he had previously shown openness to modify specific elements of the Constitution to enhance governance, now he raises critical questions about the process and presentation.
In light of ongoing political discussions, opportunities for meaningful reform appear to be emerging as various factions within the government and opposition address concerns about the concentration of executive power and advocate for a more representative governance framework. This dialogue underscores the importance of inclusivity and civic engagement to ensure that any amendments reflect the voices and rights of all Fijians.
The evolving political landscape presents a hopeful outlook for the future, as continuous conversations among lawmakers may pave the way for governance that truly embodies the aspirations of the diverse Fijian population, reinforcing democratic values and unity within the nation.
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