Former Social Democratic Liberal Party MP Tanya Waqanika has expressed her full support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s initiative to strengthen his backing in Parliament to amend the 2013 Constitution. In remarks made to FijiLive, Waqanika praised Rabuka’s political insight, stating, “He knows what he is doing. He is politically savvy,” and indicated that if securing additional votes is necessary for the constitutional changes, it is a valid pursuit.

During a recent media conference, Prime Minister Rabuka announced that his Coalition Government currently holds nearly 70 percent of the 55 parliamentary votes, which translates to 38 seats. However, he acknowledged the need for additional four votes to reach the required 42 to meet the three-quarters majority threshold essential for amending the Constitution, noting that the opposition retains 16 votes.

Rabuka emphasized that reviewing and amending the Constitution is a key objective of his administration, which aims to align the legal framework with democratic principles and reflect Fiji’s diverse, multi-ethnic society. He underscored the importance of promoting dialogue and consensus-building across different communities, ensuring the governance framework is inclusive and representative.

Waqanika’s endorsement of Rabuka’s efforts is seen as a positive development for the coalition government, indicating potential for greater unity and collaborative approaches in Fiji’s political landscape. Despite the challenges, both leaders nurture a hopeful outlook, believing that their proactive steps towards engagement with various stakeholders will enhance representation and foster a more harmonious governance structure.

In summary, while significant obstacles remain in the constitutional amendment process, the collective commitment from Prime Minister Rabuka and Tanya Waqanika offers a promising opportunity for a governance model that truly resonates with the aspirations and needs of all Fijians. Their continued focus on dialogue and cooperation serves as a beacon of hope for a future rooted in democracy and inclusivity, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.