Fiji’s 2013 Constitution is one of the most difficult constitutions in the world to amend, says Attorney-General Graham Leung.
“Right now, it is one of the hardest Constitutions in the world to change,” Mr Leung said.
“How do you get three-quarters of the Members of Parliament and three-quarters of the registered voters in this country to agree on changing the Constitution? I think it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.
“That is my view, and others may differ. If you differ from me, I respect your right to differ.”
Mr Leung acknowledged the growing public desire for constitutional reform, stating that the Government is aware of the “appetite for change”.
“The ball is in the Government’s court to determine how best to move forward,” he said.
He said that the Coalition Government would need to carefully decide on its approach to reviewing the Constitution over the next two years, given the tight legislative schedule leading up to the 2026 general election.
“2025 is a crowded year in terms of the Government’s law-making agenda. 2025 is the year that will precede a general election that will take place in 2026. So, it is a crowded year in terms of the Government’s law-making agenda.
“This is one of many items. The jury is still out, so to speak, on what should be done and when it should be done. Should it be done in one bite, or can this be an exercise completed in stages?
“The Government may choose to address the lower-hanging fruit— the changes that can be made more readily — or opt for a complete review of the Constitution.”
Mr Leung also suggested that the Government might seek guidance from the Supreme Court on whether the Constitution’s amendment provisions are themselves constitutional.
“One possibility is going to the Supreme Court and seeking an advisory opinion on whether the amendment provisions of the Constitution — or whether they themselves are constitutional.
“I mean, if a Constitution is impossible to change, then that in itself is a constitutional question.”
