SEVEN prominent Fijian figures have been officially sworn in to serve on the Constitution Review Commission.
The commission is chaired by Sevuloni Valenitabua, with members including Dr John Fatiaki, Merewalesi Nailatikau, Conway Begg, Dr Neelesh Goundar, Ami Kohli and Fiji National University Vice Chancellor Prof Unaisi Nabobo-Baba.
According to a Cabinet announcement on January 21 last year, the Government established the commission to consult Fijians on the Constitution, which has faced criticism since its adoption.
The concerns relate both to the process by which the 2013 Constitution was imposed and aspects of its substantive content.
Speaking last year, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka noted that constitutional review and potential changes had been key issues in the 2022 General Election, featuring prominently in many political parties’ campaigns.
The swearing-in ceremony was officiated by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House.
The commission is expected to collect public views, hold consultations across the country, and make recommendations on possible amendments to the Constitution, with the aim of addressing long-standing criticisms and ensuring the supreme law better reflects the aspirations of all Fijians.
