The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (BLV) says Fiji’s constitutional review and amendment process has followed a lengthy legal and consultative pathway, rejecting suggestions that the process has been rushed.
In a statement, BLV chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the process involved parliamentary debate, Supreme Court guidance and nationwide consultations before the latest proposed constitutional changes reached Parliament.
He said the process began in early 2025 when the Coalition Government introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which sought to amend provisions governing constitutional changes, including parliamentary voting thresholds and referendum requirements.
The Bill failed to secure the required three-quarters support in Parliament on March 11, 2025, with 40 MPs voting in favour and 14 against, falling one vote short of the required threshold.
Rather than pursuing the matter politically, Cabinet sought legal clarity by referring questions about the constitutional amendment provisions to the Supreme Court in May 2025.
The court delivered its advisory opinion on August 29, 2025, providing guidance on the constitutional framework and the pathway available for reform.
Mr Seruvakula said the Government subsequently established an independent Constitution Review Commission in 2026 to gather views from communities and stakeholders across the country.
The commission conducted public consultations and received submissions from individuals, traditional institutions, civil society groups, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders before submitting its report and draft proposals to the President in August 2026.
The report was subsequently tabled in Parliament for consideration.
“The chronology of events clearly demonstrates that constitutional reform in Fiji has not been undertaken in haste,” Mr Seruvakula said.
He said constitutional reform must be anchored in legality, public participation, national unity and respect for democratic principles.
“A constitution belongs to the people. Therefore, any discussion concerning its future must allow the people to be informed, consulted and heard,” he said.
As Fiji approaches the 2026 General Election, Mr Seruvakula urged the public to engage respectfully in discussions about the Constitution.
He said constitutional reform should provide an opportunity to strengthen democracy, reinforce national unity and ensure the supreme law reflects the aspirations of present and future generations.
The BLV reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, transparent and lawful constitutional process guided by the collective interests of the people of Fiji.
