Former Social Democratic Liberal Party MP Tanya Waqanika has openly endorsed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s endeavors to increase his support base within Parliament to facilitate amendments to the 2013 Constitution. In her remarks to FijiLive, Waqanika expressed confidence in Rabuka’s strategic approach, stating, “He knows what he is doing. He is politically savvy, and if they need to get the numbers to change the Constitution, so be it.”

Prime Minister Rabuka recently indicated that his Coalition Government commands nearly 70 percent of the 55 parliamentary votes, equating to 38 seats. However, he acknowledges that this number falls short of the 42 votes required for the three-quarters majority necessary to amend the Constitution. With the opposition holding 16 votes, Rabuka’s government must secure an additional four votes to achieve this goal.

The Prime Minister has articulated that the review and amendment of the Constitution is a central objective of his administration. He assured that the government’s approach would adhere to democratic principles and good governance, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and consensus-building across diverse communities in Fiji for inclusive representation.

Waqanika’s support for Rabuka’s constitutional ambitions may signal an optimistic outlook for the coalition government’s efforts in navigating the complexities of parliamentary support. With the aim of constructing a governance framework that accurately reflects Fiji’s multi-ethnic and multicultural society, the government is committed to fostering unity and collaboration among its population.

In summary, while the challenges in amending the Constitution are significant, Waqanika’s endorsement of Rabuka’s leadership reflects a potentially positive trajectory for Fiji’s political landscape. By engaging with various stakeholders and promoting inclusive governance, there is hope for a future that better serves the aspirations and needs of all Fijians, supporting the principles of democracy and unity in the nation.