Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a reevaluation of the 2013 Constitution, stating that it imposes regressive limitations on human rights. He made these remarks during his address at the National Federation Party Annual Convention held in Sigatoka.
Rabuka acknowledged that, as a coalition government, it could be tempting to benefit from the unfair advantages and powers granted by certain provisions of the Constitution. However, he emphasized that such actions would be unjust, unrealistic, and undemocratic.
He expressed the importance of truth and reconciliation for the nation to heal and move past the historical political turmoil and the pervasive culture of fear and mistrust. Rabuka highlighted that the nation has long suppressed its wounds and trauma from political instability and must now confront the burdens that have been carried through generations.
Prof. Biman Prasad, NFP Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, supported the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, advocating for open dialogue about the nation’s traumatic history to foster understanding and to guide future endeavors.
The Prime Minister reiterated his personal commitment to ensuring just and fair constitutional reform, along with the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.