Opposition Leader and former Fiji First Minister Inia Seruiratu has acknowledged that the 2013 Constitution did not adequately reflect the voice and participation of the Fijian people.
In a statement on Fiji’s constitutional future, Mr Seruiratu said there were legitimate concerns about the process through which the Constitution was introduced.
“At the same time, the 2013 Constitution has its own shortcomings. It did not adequately reflect the voice and participation of the Fijian people, and there are legitimate concerns about the process through which it was introduced,” he said.
“These concerns should be acknowledged openly and addressed through a proper constitutional review.”
Mr Seruiratu said Fiji’s constitutional future must be shaped by an honest and balanced assessment of both the 1997 and 2013 Constitutions.
He said while the 1997 Constitution contained sound principles and was developed through an inclusive process, it failed to withstand the political crisis that led to the events of 2000.
“The 1997 Constitution contained sound principles and was developed through an inclusive process, yet it failed to withstand the political crisis that led to the events of 2000,” he said.
“We must carefully examine what went wrong and ensure those lessons are not ignored.”
Mr Seruiratu said the focus should not be on defending one Constitution or simply replacing another.
“Our goal should not be to defend one document or simply replace another,” he said.
“It should be to learn from both experiences and develop a constitutional framework that strengthens democracy, protects stability, reflects the people’s voice, and serves the long-term interests of all Fijians.”
