Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to halt the push for a new Constitution, saying the proposed changes require adequate public scrutiny and debate.
In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Chaudhry accused the Government of rushing Constitution Amendment Bill No. 32 of 2026 despite having had four years to pursue changes to the 2013 Constitution.
He said Mr Rabuka had done nothing about constitutional amendments during his first two years in office and was now seeking to force through a controversial draft without sufficient scrutiny.
Mr Chaudhry also questioned the Prime Minister’s reasons for accelerating the process, including his arguments that the 2013 Constitution had never been accepted by the people and that Fiji’s demographics and societal expectations were evolving.
“Neither of these justify the rush,” he said.
Mr Chaudhry further alleged that transitional provisions in Chapter 16 of the proposed Constitution could allow the current Government to extend its term without holding a general election.
He specifically cited Clauses 211(2)(3) and 219(3)(a), calling on Mr Rabuka to explain their intended effect.
Mr Chaudhry claimed the provisions had been deliberately inserted to bring forward the commencement of the new Constitution and potentially prolong the Government’s tenure.
He argued that the process was being rushed to have the new Constitution in place before December 24, which he identified as the final day for the issuance of the Writ of Elections.
The FLP leader also questioned whether the proposed Constitution adequately addressed Fiji’s changing demographics, saying it contained no special provisions to protect minority representation in Parliament or the rights of women.
His comments come amid continuing debate over the proposed constitutional changes and their implications for the next general election.
However, the allegations about the transitional provisions remain Mr Chaudhry’s interpretation of the draft legislation. Prime Minister Rabuka has previously rejected claims that the election would be delayed, assuring the public that it would be held this year or, at the latest, by February 6, 2027.
