The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has formally submitted its views on overhauling Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, calling for the historic Deed of Cession of 1874 to be recognised in the nation’s supreme law.
The submission was received by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as part of wide-ranging public consultations into the current Constitution.
The CRC said in a statement that in the document, the GCC has proposed a series of amendments, including stronger legal protections for iTaukei proprietary rights over land and resources, as well as formal recognition of customary laws and traditional practices.
The Council has also flagged broader governance issues and suggested a review of several existing sections of the 2013 Constitution.
The Commission acknowledged the GCC’s contribution, saying the submission would be examined alongside others received from across the country.
The CRC, which was tasked by the President with conducting a comprehensive review by consulting widely with the Fijian people, began the process by inviting submissions from national institutions, associations, and public, private and civil society organisations.
Nationwide public consultations are expected to begin shortly.
The Commission has urged all individuals, communities and organisations to take part in the review process, which is due to deliver its final report by August 31, 2026.
