Former Social Democratic Liberal Party MP Tanya Waqanika has voiced her strong support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s initiative to strengthen his parliamentary backing in order to amend Fiji’s 2013 Constitution. In a recent interview with FijiLive, Waqanika expressed confidence in Rabuka’s political acumen, stating, “He knows what he is doing. He is politically savvy,” and endorsed his efforts to secure the necessary votes for constitutional changes.

During a media conference, Prime Minister Rabuka revealed that his Coalition Government currently holds approximately 70 percent of the 55 parliamentary votes, equivalent to 38 seats. However, he acknowledged that they are still four votes shy of the required 42 votes needed to achieve a three-quarters majority essential for constitutional amendments. This gap poses significant challenges given that the opposition holds 16 votes.

Rabuka emphasized the importance of reviewing and amending the Constitution as a key objective for his administration, aiming to ensure that the governing framework aligns with democratic principles and reflects Fiji’s diverse, multi-ethnic society. He highlighted the necessity of engaging in dialogue and consensus-building among various communities to ensure broader representation for all Fijians.

Waqanika’s endorsement of Rabuka’s efforts is seen as a hopeful sign for the coalition government, suggesting potential for greater unity and collaborative efforts in Fiji’s political landscape. This approach not only aims to address pressing governance issues but also seeks to enhance civic participation among diverse stakeholders.

In summary, while the journey towards constitutional reform in Fiji is fraught with challenges, the proactive stance taken by leaders like Rabuka and Waqanika offers a promising outlook. Their commitment to fostering dialogue and inclusivity suggests that there is a hopeful path forward for a governance framework that truly represents the aspirations and needs of all Fijians.