Constitution Review Commission has recommended limiting Cabinet to a maximum of 15 members, including the Prime Minister, as part of proposed changes to the executive branch of government.
The recommendation follows public submissions expressing concern about the cost of government while also calling for greater local representation through multiple constituencies.
The Commission said it had considered how to balance those concerns without allowing short-term grievances to determine Fiji’s longer-term constitutional arrangements.
Under its proposal, the Prime Minister would lead a Cabinet consisting of no more than 14 other ministers.
The Commission has also recommended a caretaker government model for the period leading up to general elections.
During the caretaker period, the Prime Minister and Cabinet would continue governing but would be restricted from making major public appointments or approving significant expenditure.
The report said submissions called for greater stability during the period preceding elections and during transitions of power.
The Commission has also proposed reducing the Prime Minister’s involvement in appointments and consultations involving independent commissions, saying the changes are intended to strengthen the separation of powers.
Meanwhile, greater local representation would be addressed through the proposed House of Representatives and an independent Constituency Boundaries Commission rather than through a larger Cabinet.
The Commission’s broader model proposes a bicameral Parliament comprising a House of Representatives and Senate.
The Cabinet cap and caretaker arrangements remain recommendations and would not take effect unless the proposed constitutional changes proceed through the required process.
