Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says the decision to review the 2013 Constitution is a political one, however it is within the bounds of the law. He made the comment after a reconciliation event at Sukanaivalu VC Barracks yesterday.
With the military recently copping flak from experts for its perceived role in the Constitution, Ro Jone said they were committed to the rule of law and following the process.
“What they are doing is something they feel is important, so that process is all part of the review process for the Constitution,” he said.
“The RFMF has always tried to advocate on the rule of law and following the process.”
He said there were provisions within the Constitution for any review process.
Ro Jone said there were a lot of discussions whereby politicians and policymakers said the Constitution could not be changed because of provisions, such as those which required a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a referendum.
“Those are their comments, but I would say there’s no harm in testing the provisions. They can test it for the first time, if it doesn’t work, (test it for the) second time. (If) it doesn’t work, then it justifies an alternate course of action that they can do.”
Meanwhile, Ro Jone said the RFMF would be part of the national reconciliation process by working with the National Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
He said it was important for RFMF to build relationships with those affected by the coups.
