Former member of the Social Democratic Liberal Party, Tanya Waqanika, has publicly voiced her strong support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s plans to enhance his backing in Parliament as he aims to amend the 2013 Constitution. In an interview with FijiLive, Waqanika emphasized her confidence in Rabuka’s political acumen, 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.”

At a recent media conference, Prime Minister Rabuka outlined that his Coalition Government holds approximately 70 percent of the 55 votes in Parliament, translating to 38 seats. However, he pointed out that they still require an additional four votes to reach the necessary threshold of 42—equating to a three-quarters majority—to successfully amend the Constitution, while the opposition retains 16 votes.

Rabuka articulated that the aim of reviewing and amending the Constitution is a significant objective for his administration, intended to ensure a legal framework that aligns with democratic principles and represents Fiji’s diverse, multi-ethnic society. He noted the importance of fostering ongoing dialogue and consensus-building among various communities to achieve broader representation.

Waqanika’s endorsement is viewed as a positive development for Rabuka’s coalition government, suggesting potential for greater unity and collaborative approaches within Fiji’s political landscape. Despite the significant challenges posed by the opposition’s voting strength, both leaders convey an optimistic vision that through strategic engagement and dialogue with stakeholders, they may strengthen representation and foster a more harmonious governance structure.

In summary, while the road ahead for constitutional reform bears considerable obstacles, the proactive approaches of Prime Minister Rabuka and Tanya Waqanika signal a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s political future. Their efforts together may pave the way for a governance model that resonates with the aspirations of all Fijians, fostering democracy, unity, and progress.