Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged all Fijians to remain calm as the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on questions surrounding the Constitution. He cautioned that calls for civil disobedience or military intervention are unacceptable and could undermine peace and democracy. The Prime Minister stressed that the Supreme Court is entrusted with interpreting Fiji’s laws and that its opinion must be respected. While freedom of speech is protected, he added that it should be exercised responsibly and within the law. Rabuka reassured the public that the government remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national stability.
The remarks come amid broader discussions about constitutional reform and ongoing efforts to seek the Court’s guidance on amendments to the 2013 Constitution. Analysts note that the judiciary’s advisory opinion could influence the reform process and potentially affect the timing of future elections depending on what changes are pursued.
What to watch next
– When and how the Supreme Court delivers its advisory opinion on constitutional questions.
– How the government’s plans for constitutional amendments unfold and how they interact with electoral timelines.
– Public communications from government and judiciary on maintaining stability and the rule of law during this period of constitutional deliberation.
A hopeful note
Rabuka’s emphasis on peaceful, lawful dialogue and respect for judicial processes reinforces a commitment to democratic norms. By fostering calm and orderly engagement, Fiji can navigate constitutional questions while maintaining national unity and stability.
Context and outlook
This statement fits into a broader pattern of discussions around Fiji’s constitutional framework, including ongoing debates about the legitimacy and reform of existing provisions and the judiciary’s central role in interpreting them. The overarching goal remains a governance model that reflects Fiji’s diverse population and upholds the rule of law, with the Supreme Court’s guidance seen as a pivotal factor in shaping Fiji’s constitutional future.
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