FIJI could see the return of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and the Senate as the Upper House of Parliament, along with the reinstatement of the Public Service Commission, under the proposed 2026 Constitution.
The draft also recommends retaining “Fijian” as Fiji’s national identity, while allowing for a consultative process through which the people of Fiji could determine what their common or national identity should be.
Constitutional Review Commission chairman Sevuloni Valenitabua described the document, drawn from recommendations as a “recommended Constitution to take Fiji forward” when he handed over the commission’s report and draft Constitution to the President this week.
The proposed Bose Levu Vakaturaga would restore the body commonly known as the Great Council of Chiefs.
The Public Service Commission would also be reinstated to oversee the public service and personnel matters relating to public servants.
Mr Valenitabua said the draft Constitution recognised Fiji’s multiracial character, sought to streamline State services and encouraged peaceful relations among ethnic groups.
“It is forward-looking, it recognises our nation’s multiracialism,” he said.
The recommendations follow consultations involving 3873 people and resulting in 1220 submissions.
Mr Valenitabua said the commission completed its review in less than six months and wrote the draft Constitution in just five weeks after completing the consultations.
The document remains a draft and its recommendations are yet to be considered and adopted by Government.
